The Summer Go Bag: XL Edition
“We’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
As a devotee of the time travel romance novel, I often think about items I should always have in my bag just in case I step through a portal, touch the stones, or drive a DeLorean back in time. What modern conveniences (ibuprofen) and personal necessities (lip balm) could I not live without even if I were cozied up with a rather comely lad on the Scottish moors circa 1740?
As a professor who has just submitted her final grades for the spring semester, I often think about what I should always have in my bag just in case I have a summer with minimal work expectations, beautiful weather, and the bounty of a truly fantastic city, Chicago.
The second possibility is, of course, much more possible.
Another of my May rituals is putting together a summer go bag that both prepares for and helps manifest the summer I want. In 2023, the last time I wrote this particular piece, I packed a strangely practical list of things: water, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, a book. I mean, okay, all of these things are good, but what kind of summer is that manifesting?
The summer is my waiting room, and I want it to be more than hydrated, tidy, and safe. I need to pack a bigger bag for a bolder summer.
Make your summer go bag is an investment piece you’ll want to use again. Last summer’s go bag was a canvas tote that I got for free. This year, I’m using a square-bottomed structured bag with inner and outer pockets. It wasn’t expensive, but it wasn’t free, and it feels more like summer.
Create your summer brochure. Summer plays by its own rules and since it is only the start of summer, those rules are not yet written. So write them and keep them with you. Each year I create a Canva brochure for my summer with a mission statement, an activities punch list, and reminders of how I want to feel and achieve this season.
Remember this is your summer—don’t be afraid to go it alone. Okay, I talk a big game here. Solo adventures—actually, solo anything—does not fit with my Gemini sun (conjunct Mercury), my ENTP (sometime FP), or my Enneagram 7 (The Enthusiast). I always prefer company, but I’m learning to understand that not everyone has summers off or needs a spectacular-spectacular everyday. But I appreciate that I do.
I have my bag, I am working on my brochure, and I will keep #3 in mind. Here is what I’m packing:
Small pouch with summer necessities—sunscreen, lip balm, Tic-Tacs, Band-Aids, wet wipes.
Phone charger (& my phone, of course).
Book. While I have a few on my Kindle app via Libby, I like to have one paper book.
Reusable water bottle.
Large cotton shawl that can also be a small blanket.
Swiss Army-esque picnic knife/corkscrew.
Traveler’s Notebook & pencil case.
CTA card, a bit of cash, museum passes.
What is the narrative of my go bag? What do I hope to call in this summer?
Walking around the city, being outside, seeing the sites, getting thirsty and perhaps a blister or two. (1, 4)
Reading and writing in a shady spot. Preferably in community. (3, 5, 7)
Long days, full of wide-ranging adventure. (2, 8)
Wine & cheese. (1, 5, 6)
My bag is packed, but it isn’t full. My summer go bag lets the universe know that while I have a plan, I always have room for more ideas.
