#94 - How to enjoy summer at home (When everyone else Is travelling)

About feeling left behind while the world seems to shine. Inspired by Lily

When your summer doesn’t look like Instagram’s

It’s the start of summer. Your phone lights up: friends in white linen dresses on a Greek island, holding cocktails the same shade as the sunset. Scroll a little further—another beach, another bikini, another picture-perfect moment.

Meanwhile, you’re at home, barefoot in your kitchen, eating a bag of chips and mentally preparing to finally defrost the freezer. If you’re feeling wild, you might even tackle that one kitchen drawer that only opens if you bribe it with a gentle kick.

Feeling left out during summer

We don’t always say it out loud, but the feeling is familiar—that quiet ugh of wondering if everyone else got the “best summer ever” while you’re over here Googling “how to coil a garden hose without kinks.”

It’s not that you’re jealous. You’re genuinely happy for them (cocktails and all). But still, there’s that little voice whispering, Why not me?

And the bigger question: Am I missing something?

The truth behind summer holidays

Here’s the fun part: everyone’s summer has bloopers. Behind those golden-hour photos are real people—people who got sunburned, fought over parking spots, or cried in a stuffy hotel room because they missed their dog. Social media just skips the mosquito bites and overpriced drinks.

Your summer doesn’t have to come with a boarding pass to count. Real fun is found in garden barbecues, spontaneous swims, long talks over iced coffee, or laughing over pancakes with friends. It’s found in the ordinary days you decide to make a little brighter.

So, what now?

Maybe this summer, joy looks like morning walks, backyard dinners, and finally trying that recipe you’ve had bookmarked for two years. Maybe it’s inviting someone over, even if your house isn’t spotless. Or saying yes to something small but new, like a local music night or lemon ice on a Tuesday.

Being at home doesn’t mean missing out. It means you get to shape your summer your way. No passport needed. Just real moments, on your terms.

And remember: even people on tropical beaches still get bored, feel awkward, or wonder what to post next. You’re not behind. You’re just creating your own version of summer.

Here’s to the summer that feels good—one small adventure at a time.

Join Lily in the Summer Challenge—8 weeks of little goals to color your summer with fun, connection, and feel-good moments. Let’s turn ordinary days into something unforgettable. It’s simple. It’s doable. It’s yours. Let’s make this summer one to remember—no passport required.

https://what-a-story.com/collections/8weeks-summer-challenge/SummerChallenge