My Rules I am Living By This Summer

By: McKena Pennington

Summer is always an exciting time. Yet, as a college student heading home for

the summer can be overwhelming. There is a lot of moving, changing of schedule,

seeing old friends, working, and even possibly summer school. Yet, the warm sunny

days in my small hometown are high up on my things I love. I have always viewed

summer as a time of growth, reset, and a high UV index. This summer, I plan to stay on

track and keep working towards the person I am manifesting. I have drafted 9 rules I

am living by this summer.

My Summer Rules:

1. Keep My Mornings Slow

No rushing. My mornings will be filled with the nostalgic sound of song birds, iced

coffees, and my favorite journal or book. No phone first thing. Starting calm and staying calm.

2. Daily Movement

Movement is the key to my happiness. Whether it’s a walk, yoga, pilates, or full-on gym

sesh, I’m moving my body every day to feel strong, centered, and the healthiest version of

myself.

3. SPF, Always

SPF is non-negotiable, rain or shine. My goal is for sun-kissed, healthy, and non-wrinkled skin.

4. Wear What I Want (and Ignore Self-Doubt)

If I like it, I'll wear it. No second-guessing. Confidence is the best accessory anyway. I am going to try new styles, mix and match, and if I like it in the mirror, I am wearing it out. No

fear of stepping out of trends or if others don’t think it's cool, it's my world, so I am focused on how I feel in it.

5. Say Yes to What Makes Me Smile

Not out of obligation, not to please anyone else. Just because it lights me up. I am sticking to my gut; if I feel good, I am going to do it, even if it's alone. I am focusing on filling my own cup.

6. Read More

Books over mindless scrolling. I want to get lost in stories, not in my "for you" page. Life

has been sucked away by social media and I want back the control I have over my life. I want to fill and expand my mind with creativity and knowledge, and see the world from a different perspective.

7. Eat Clean

Think fresh, local, feel-good foods. Summer is the best time for fruit, green salads, and

bright, colorful plates of food. While this will be my priority, I will still be saying yes to ice

cream runs and cookout plates. It’s all about balance.

8. Romanticize Everything

Sunsets? Aesthetic. Grocery trips? Highlight of my day. I’m the main character, and I’m

choosing to love the little moments. Life is built through the little moments, and practicing

gratitude has the power to shift one's perspective on their whole life. There is so much to be grateful for in everyday life, so I am choosing to see the positives in every moment, no matter how big or small.

9. Keep Showing Up as Her

The version of me I’m working toward, she’s already here. I just have to keep choosing

her every day. I have to be disciplined enough to choose myself, to stick to my plan, and to trust that small habits lead to big shifts. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being intentional. So this summer, I am showing up for her.