We were recently talking about an article that explored how more people are turning to distractions to avoid the overwhelm of, well, everything.

If you think we’re talking about technology and social media and all the attention pulling things that fill our days now, you’re wrong. Okay, not entirely wrong – those are real problems. But we’re also talking about all the good things that, compounded, create the general “busy-ness” we all too often wear as badges of honor.

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No matter how healthy or good-for-you the avoidant activity, that kind of avoidance tends to spill over. We put off tough conversations. We let our goals get fuzzy. We stall our own momentum. And in a broader sense, we numb out to the political climate, the injustice marginalized communities face, and the uncertainty of the world.

Along Comes Summertime

Summer makes this kind of avoidance especially easy. The energy of the season implores us to do it all.

We get it. Living in the Pacific Northwest, our long, sunny days are a valuable commodity. We’re constantly trying to squeeze it all in: our growing list of “must-do-every-year” hikes, this and that event, and a Sisyphean collection of home projects.

Dramatic backcountry view near Mount St. Helens with rocky ridges, pine forests, and Mount Adams visible in the distant background under a bright sun. — Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Photo Credit: No Vacation Required

But we’ve realized summer can be a double-edged sword. The long, light-filled days invite more — more doing, more seeing, more maximizing. And suddenly, the calendar feels jammed. Instead of feeling refreshed, we feel run ragged.

We always aim to do things with intention — to stay focused, not distracted. But when life feels heavy, even we — “experts” in living intentionally – can fall into the pattern of staying busy just to avoid sitting with the discomfort of uncertainty around us.

Stay Focused, Not Distracted

“But all the things I need to do this summer are positive!”

It’s easy to recognize that we’re trying to do too much when it comes to social media or any of the other soul killing elements of modern life. But the fun, healthy, seize-the-summer things, aren’t you supposed to want more of that? Sure. But more doesn’t equal better – no matter what those social feeds are telling you. So, instead of chasing the idea that more equals better, what if you stay mindful of choosing less — intentionally — so you can experience more? You know, the whole quality over quantity thing.

In our do-it-all, FOMO inducing culture, this is a radical move. And summer’s long days and full schedules can amplify that. But that’s why this is the perfect time to shift – to bring a new level of intention to these fleeting summer days.

Panoramic view of Mount St. Helens blast zone on a clear summer day, showcasing the crater, valley, and surrounding recovery landscape. — Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Photo Credit:No Vacation Required

Choose Less, Experience More

Over the next few weeks, we’ll walk with you through practical ways to pause the noise, prioritize what grounds you, and practice habits that bring clarity and calm. Small, consistent choices add up — and they can reshape how you experience your days, even in difficult times.

Here are a few ways to begin right now:

Start with what feels most meaningful. What’s one thing you can say no to this week that frees up time or energy for something better?
Revisit a ritual or routine you’ve let slide. It might be as simple as a morning pause or an evening walk. Notice how it shifts your energy.
Make space to breathe. Schedule short breaks during your day — not to do more, but to do less and just be present.

In our corner of the world, this means going easy on ourselves if we don’t make it to every. single. hike. on our list. It also means resisting the urge to race right back to Mount St. Helens (we were there a just couple weeks ago!) as if 2026 will not exist. Oh, and it especially means leaning into the vibe of each day. We go hard but we also love relaxing at home. So, if the vibe says “stay in, pull down the blinds, and go goblin mode,” we need to honor that.

As we lean into the back half of summer, this month is about trusting that less can truly be more.

We’re grateful you’re here for the journey.

Onward & Inward,