Show Up for Summer

Audio By Carbonatix

A New Season to Blossom Physically, Spiritually, and Emotionally

I used to tell myself summer was the time to slow down, take a break, and reset before September. But then May would hit—and I’d make big plans: “This summer I’ll lose the weight, fix our schedule, read more books, get closer to God, be a better mom…”

But by July? I’d be face-first in a tub of ice cream, overwhelmed by the chaos, avoiding mirrors, and sidestepping my Bible like it held another to-do list. But something shifted.

A few summers ago I gave up the unhealthy dance of striving and givine up. Instead, I started to show up. Not with perfection. Not with pressure. But with presence.

This summer, I’m showing up to blossom—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I’ve tried hiding, fixing, numbing, and starting over … and none of that brought lasting change.

A New Season Requires a New Mentality

Let’s start with food because when we eat better we feel better …. and we are recharged for all other areas of our lives. One of my mentors, Dr. Wayne Andersen says,“Stop trying to control what you eat and start creating health.”

That simple shift—from dieting to designing a healthy life—flipped everything for me. It’s not about eating less, punishing workouts, or chasing numbers. It’s about becoming someone who lives in alignment with her purpose.

And that takes inner work. It means asking myself:

• What am I avoiding when I reach for the snack?
  
• What thoughts am I believing that are draining my energy?
  
• What am I hungry for that has nothing to do with food?
  

Like Ed Mylett says, “Your identity is the thermostat of your life. You will never exceed the temperature you set for yourself.”

This summer, I’m resetting the thermostat. Not for quick fixes. Not to be impressive. But to be aligned—heart, soul, and habits.

Do It Different

We show up because we’ve tried hiding. I’ve tried…

• Binge-watching instead of praying.
  
• Staying “busy” instead of resting.
  
• Eating my emotions instead of naming them.
  
• Reading about God instead of talking to Him.
  

But none of that filled the void. Lysa TerKeurst puts it best: “We must remember we’re not just managing behaviors; we’re also mending beliefs.”

And mending beliefs means letting the Holy Spirit pull up the lies by the root, so truth can bloom.

Dr. Caroline Leaf also teaches, “What you think about most will grow. Your brain is always listening to your mind.”

So this summer, I’m continuing to train my thoughts. I’m becoming intentional not just about what goes in my mouth, but what goes in my mind and heart.

How to Show Up with Intention

Here’s what’s helping me do things differently this summer:

• Morning Anchors
  Before I scroll, snack, or scramble, I pause. I pray. I journal. I speak the truth out loud.(“I am loved. I am healthy. I make wise choices. God is with me.”)
• Movement for Joy, Not Punishment
  I walk to praise music. I stretch to worship. I move my body because it’s a gift, not a project.
• Meals that Nourish, Not Numb
  I focus on fuel, not feelings. When I want a treat, I ask, “Is this a celebration or escape?” If it’s not good fuel for my body, then I turn around and leave.
• Moments of Quiet to Think and Heal
  Beth Moore says,“God’s Word is the only thing powerful enough to wash off the world.” And she’s right. I need less noise, more Scripture.
• Soul-Care Over Self-Sabotage I no longer believe that burnout is holy. Rest is obedience. And joy? Joy is strength.

From Survival to Surrender

Friend, this summer isn’t just another chance to try harder. It’s an invitation to live freer. To show up.

Show up to walk instead of worry.
To drink water instead of swallow your stress.
To speak grace over your body and truth over your day.
To ask God what He wants to grow in you, not what you have to force into bloom.

Let’s go from survival to surrender.
From dieting to discipleship.
From self-criticism to self-compassion.

And from hiding to healing.Because this summer? We’re not shrinking to fit anyone’s mold. We’re showing up to bloom. You’ll never regret doing the inner work. Only the years you avoided it.

Additional Resources

Daily Bible Podcast

We’re Tricia and Michelle, two friends inviting you to join us in reading through the Bible chronologically this year. Reading the Bible every day can be a challenge. We’re here to summarize each day’s passage and provide action steps … in under 15 minutes. Grab a buddy and join our community. Take the plunge, and let’s read through the Bible together. We’ll be cheering you on all the way!

Use your own Bible or get the One Year Chronological Bible here!