Inside My Summer Bucket List: A Reminder to Live a Little More
- patricia alvarado
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
If you asked me what a Zumba instructor's summer looks like, you might imagine endless workouts, learning a bunch of choreos, and planning all my classes for the next season.
And while dance will always be part of my life, summer is also my chance to do something just as important:
To recharge.
To slow down.
To reconnect with the people I love.
To create memories.
To find inspiration.
And most importantly, to take care of myself so I can continue taking care of others.
Every year, instead of making another to-do list, I like to create a Summer Bucket List.
Not because I expect to complete every single item.
But because it reminds me to live intentionally and celebrate the small moments that make life so beautiful.
This Summer Reminded Me That "Later" Isn't Promised
This year has also been an emotional reminder that life can change in an instant.
Watching the devastating earthquake in Venezuela made me pause and reflect on something many of us do without even realizing it.
We postpone.
"I'll do it later."
"I'll call next week."
"I'll book that trip someday."
"I'll start taking care of myself when life gets less busy."
But what if later never comes?
None of us knows what tomorrow will bring.
It means we should live with intention.
Spend time with the people we love.
Take care of our health.
Dance.
Rest.
Travel.
Laugh.
Create memories.
Because those are the moments that truly stay with us.
Your Summer Bucket List Doesn't Have to Look Like Mine
Whether you're spending summer in Sweden, Venezuela, Mexico, or anywhere else in the world, your bucket list doesn't need to include beaches, concerts, or travel.
Maybe your perfect summer is reading a book while taking your delicious coffee in your garden.
Maybe it's sharing a good ice cream with your children.
Maybe it's finally trying that dance class you've been thinking about.
Or simply giving yourself permission to slow down.
The beauty of a bucket list is that it reflects your life, your values, and what fills your heart.
Here's What's On My Summer Bucket List
This year, my list is filled with experiences that help me recharge my body, mind, and heart.
💃 Joyful Movement
Dance under the Swedish summer sun.
Take classes with fellow Zumba instructors and learn from my colleagues.
Continue building strength through resistance training .
Discover new choreos and music for the upcoming season.
🤝 Meaningful Connection
Celebrate Emma's birthday with unforgettable memories.
Watch Toy Story 5 with my girls.
Meet friends I haven't seen in a long time.
Spend quality time with my family and dear friends who have become my extended family here in Sweden.
Remember our beautiful Midsummer picnic together.
💕 Loving Self-Care
Enjoy a Face Release session with Tania and her new business and allow myself to simply be present.
Spend time alone without feeling guilty.
Slow down and recharge before the autumn season begins.
🥗 Eating with Kindness
Eat lots of sweet Swedish strawberries.
Enjoy plenty of watermelon.
Try a new ice cream flavours
Share delicious summer meals with the people I love.
🧠 Mental Clarity & Adventure
Explore the beautiful region of Österlen with my family.
Family Road trip to Österlen Swim in the sea whenever is possible
Discover new places in Stockholm or Sweden.
Sing my heart out at the Bad Bunny concert.
Enjoy Omar Rudberg's concert in August.
Watch more sunsets.
Allow myself to be inspired by new experiences.'
Progression, Not Perfection
Will I complete everything on this list?
Maybe.
Maybe not.
And that's perfectly okay.
Because this isn't another checklist I have to finish.
It's simply a reminder to create more moments that bring me joy.
To say "yes" more often.
To postpone less.
To remember that life isn't only about responsibilities.
It's also about living.
Now It's Your Turn
Summer isnt over. You still have a couple of weeks before the school begins again. If you created your own Summer Bucket List today, what have you done this summer? what havent you done? would be on it? Don't think about what should be there.
Think about what would make your heart feel full.
Maybe it's dancing.
Maybe it's travelling.
Maybe it's calling someone you've been missing.
Maybe it's simply scheduling one hour just for yourself.
Whatever your list looks like, I hope it reminds you of one thing:
Don't wait for the perfect moment.
Start the class.
Take the trip.
Watch the sunset.
Eat the watermelon.
Hug the people you love.
And never underestimate the power of the small moments.
Because, in the end, those are the moments that become the memories we treasure the most.
Your Small Step This Week
Take five minutes today and write your own Summer Bucket List.
Not a list of everything you need to do.
A list of the moments you want to live before the season ends.
Remember, at Move with Patricia, we believe in progression, not perfection.
One joyful moment at a time. 💛
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