When Boundaries Look Like Pool Breaks and Big Ideas

There’s something magical about summer that makes me crave sunshine and connection – and reminds me how quickly time slips by when I’m not intentional with my schedule.

So I made a decision a few years ago that’s completely changed how I work in the summer: I schedule poolside workdays with friends and colleagues and my team at work. Mornings are spent on the patio, laptops open, heads down. By afternoon, we’re floating in the pool while brainstorming, connecting or just giving ourselves permission to rest. Honestly, some of our best ideas have come from the deep end.

This isn’t just about fun. It’s about boundaries.

Because when I’m floating in the pool, I feel like I should be working. And when I’m working, I feel like I should be enjoying summer. So I created a routine that holds space for both — and the guilt literally floats away.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• You can be ambitious and still take a break.
• You don’t have to “earn” your rest — it’s productive too.
• You are allowed to protect your joy with fierce boundaries.
• You can merge work AND play – work can be FUN!

This summer, I’m saying no to overcommitting and yes to what lights me up. Here’s a quick boundary check that might help you too:

• Do I need to respond to that today, or can it wait until tomorrow/Monday?
• Is this commitment aligned with my goals, or just filling space? (My word for the year is “Alignment”.
• Who can help me (even just a little) so I don’t carry it all?
• How can I make this tedious task more fun??

Let this be your permission slip: Set the boundary. Take the break. Be in the pool.

We weren’t meant to do it all, all the time. But we are meant to enjoy the moments in between — the ones that fill our cups and fuel our dreams.