June 2, 2025 • 11 mins
Apply Barry's mindfulness lessons. Download Mindful in 5 Sample Chapters
Ever looked at your jam-packed summer calendar and wondered how you'll manage it all?
Take a breath. In this episode of the Mindful in 5 Summer Zen Series, we tackle the all-too-familiar "summer juggle" and offer a refreshing perspective that might be your ticket to a more peaceful season.
Drawing from the story of Barry, a single dad from the Mindful in 5 book series who faces the classic summer struggles—split custody, tight finances, and the pressure to create magical memories—we explore three powerful concepts to help you navigate the chaos with grace.
More Links and Resources
- Download Mindful in 5 Sample Chapters
- Pick up your Mindful in 5 Book and Journal from Amazon
- Join the Discussion on LinkedIn
- Join the Mindful Ninjas: Subscribe to the newsletter
- Website: https://www.spiwejefferson.com/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Spiwe Jefferson (00:05):
Welcome to the Mindful in 5 Summer Zen Series,
your hub for thriving leaders.
Here we will explore actionableinsights to support resilience
and success as we navigate theunique chaos of summer, and
success as we navigate theunique chaos of summer.
(00:26):
I'm Spiwe Jefferson, certifiedmindfulness practitioner, lawyer
and author of the Mindful in 5book series.
I believe we all deserve a bitmore balance and peace,
especially when work and lifeget a little hectic.
When work and life get a littlehectic While you're enjoying
(00:49):
the sunshine and this vibrantseason, I'm excited to share
insights and practices that canhelp you integrate mindfulness,
balance, peace and a sense ofpurpose, whether summer's just
beginning or winter's at yourdoor.
Grab a comfy spot and let'sexplore these practices together
.
Elevate your work, empower yourlife, work higher, live
(01:13):
stronger.
Let's go.
Have you ever looked at yoursummer calendar and thought how
am I supposed to do it all Ifyou're already feeling the
pressure to be the perfectparent, employee and vacation
(01:36):
planner?
Take a breath, no, no, reallytake a breath.
Today, our topic is the summerjuggle, setting realistic
(01:58):
expectations.
We are going to frame thesummer juggle and explore one
big idea how embracingimperfection can actually bring
you more peace, clarity and joy,whether you are balancing work
(02:20):
deadlines, kids at home or thatelusive self-care, this series
is your weekly reset button.
Let's start with a short story.
I love stories, don't you?
Barry?
A character from the Mindful in5 book series is a single dad
(02:42):
facing a summer of split custodywith his ex-wife, tight
finances and two energetic youngboys.
He wants to give them magicalmemories, keep up at work and
somehow find a moment forhimself.
Sound familiar?
Well, barry's struggle is thesummer struggle, the pressure to
(03:08):
do it all perfectly.
So today I will give you threeconcepts that sit under our idea
of embracing imperfection thatyou can use to be kinder to
yourself this season.
First, reframe thosequote-unquote perfect summer
(03:33):
expectations.
The myth of the perfect summeris everywhere Social media group
chats, even in our own heads.
But what if the best summerisn't about doing it all but
about being present for whatmatters most?
(03:54):
Try this Instead of making amile-long summer bucket list,
choose one or two things thattruly matter to you and your
family and let the rest go.
I remember when my kids wereyounger, summers were a
challenge because the schedulewas just different and all of us
(04:18):
had to adjust to this unusual,different from the rest of the
year schedule and, as workingparents, their dad and I were
always kind of scrambling tofind things for them to do that
would keep them occupied,excited and learning, and so our
(04:44):
focus tended to be on everysingle week what can we engage
them in that is going to keepthem interested, energized and
excited about what they weredoing?
And that was it.
That was the focus.
So find the thing, that one ortwo things that really matter to
(05:05):
you and your family, and therest of it.
Well, if you get to it, great,if not, that's okay.
The second thing that you can dois just embrace imperfection as
a path to peace.
Barry learned that some daysdinners take out and screen time
(05:27):
is survival, so he can catch upon work while the boys watch
something.
Is it a crime?
Well, I think in a lot ofparents' minds it is letting the
screens teach the children.
But you know, I thinkeverything works when it is
balanced, and so for Barry,that's okay.
(05:49):
When we let go of perfection,we create space for peace and
softer moments, moments wherelaughter replaces stress and
connection displaces chaos.
So ask yourself, what can I letgo of today to make room for a
(06:10):
little piece?
I would argue you should beasking yourself that around the
year, even when you are notdealing with summer schedules.
The third thing that I will giveyou is set realistic,
compassionate goals for yoursummer.
So, instead of aiming for doingit all, set clear, achievable
(06:34):
intentions for your summer.
What is the most importantthing?
Maybe the most important thingis that you get off work early
so you can pick them up andenjoy the outdoors.
I used to do that when I livedin Chicago.
I was blessed to be in aposition where I could pick up
my kids at three o'clock whentheir summer school program
(06:56):
ended and they're at the labschool in Chicago and I would go
over to the University ofChicago.
I'd pick them up and we'd go tothe beach, or we would hop on a
boat and we'd go on a boat ride, or we would go to Navy Pier
and we'd wander around and justhang out and it was just great
fun.
(07:16):
And that was the goal.
That was.
The only goal was just to enjoythe outdoors and find something
fun that we could all dotogether.
So, whatever it is for you,figure out what that is and just
focus on doing that one thing.
Maybe it's 30 minutes offocused work before breakfast.
(07:37):
That's your personal goal.
Maybe it's one family outing aweekend?
That's your total goal for thefamily.
Whatever it is, make itrealistic and celebrate every
small win.
Remember progress, notperfection, is the goal.
(08:03):
To wrap up our quick episode,embrace this thought.
Summer doesn't have to be astress marathon.
You don't have to run hitherand tither.
For those of you who have kidsin sports, you're already
running hither and tither.
You don't need to add anythingelse to that schedule.
And if you are that parentwho's running hither and thither
(08:25):
with the sports, then your goal, which is already underway, can
very easily be just to ensurethat your kids are exposed to
different kinds of physical andother activities, creative
activities, and that they'rehaving fun and that they are
learning and stretching theirminds.
They might not make it to theNFL or the NBA.
(08:48):
That might not even be anaspiration.
They might not make it to theOlympics, but for now, the goal
is for them to learn how to getalong with other kids, to learn
sportsmanship, to learn how tolose with grace, how to win well
and to have fun and be outdoors.
(09:10):
That is a fine, fine goal, andif that's all you do this summer
, that is enough.
By reframing expectations andembracing imperfection, you can
cultivate a more peaceful,joyful and supported season for
(09:31):
yourself and those you love.
Carry this intention with youand let it guide your choices.
Remember you don't have to doit all.
Sometimes the most peacefulsummer is the one where you
simply show up, imperfect butpresent.
(09:51):
Join us next week, where Ithink we'll be talking about
flexible routines, structurewithout stress, and don't forget
to click the link in the notesto meet Barry and dive deeper
into mindfulness strategies youcan implement in your daily life
no matter what is going onaround you, starting with just
(10:15):
five minutes a day Peaceful,clear, joyful, supported.
That is your mindful.
In five summer zen Until nextweek.
This is Beway saying be mindfuland be well.
James@DiscovertheVoice (10:32):
Thank you for listening to Mindful in
5.
If you enjoyed it, share itwith a friend, follow and rate
it on your favorite podcastplatform.
Pick up your signed copy of thebook and journal from
spiwejefferson.
com, or unsigned copies fromAmazon, barnes, noble or
wherever you get your books.
Visit spiwejefferson.
(10:52):
com to download sample chaptersof the book, watch videos and
become a mindful ninja.
Join us on the LinkedIn Mindfulin 5 group and share your
thoughts Until next.
Next time, be mindful and bewell.
Welcome to the Mindful in 5 Summer Zen Series,
your hub for thriving leaders.
Here we will explore actionableinsights to support resilience
and success as we navigate theunique chaos of summer, and
success as we navigate theunique chaos of summer.
(00:26):
I'm Spiwe Jefferson, certifiedmindfulness practitioner, lawyer
and author of the Mindful in 5book series.
I believe we all deserve a bitmore balance and peace,
especially when work and lifeget a little hectic.
When work and life get a littlehectic While you're enjoying
(00:49):
the sunshine and this vibrantseason, I'm excited to share
insights and practices that canhelp you integrate mindfulness,
balance, peace and a sense ofpurpose, whether summer's just
beginning or winter's at yourdoor.
Grab a comfy spot and let'sexplore these practices together
.
Elevate your work, empower yourlife, work higher, live
(01:13):
stronger.
Let's go.
Have you ever looked at yoursummer calendar and thought how
am I supposed to do it all Ifyou're already feeling the
pressure to be the perfectparent, employee and vacation
(01:36):
planner?
Take a breath, no, no, reallytake a breath.
Today, our topic is the summerjuggle, setting realistic
(01:58):
expectations.
We are going to frame thesummer juggle and explore one
big idea how embracingimperfection can actually bring
you more peace, clarity and joy,whether you are balancing work
(02:20):
deadlines, kids at home or thatelusive self-care, this series
is your weekly reset button.
Let's start with a short story.
I love stories, don't you?
Barry?
A character from the Mindful in5 book series is a single dad
(02:42):
facing a summer of split custodywith his ex-wife, tight
finances and two energetic youngboys.
He wants to give them magicalmemories, keep up at work and
somehow find a moment forhimself.
Sound familiar?
Well, barry's struggle is thesummer struggle, the pressure to
(03:08):
do it all perfectly.
So today I will give you threeconcepts that sit under our idea
of embracing imperfection thatyou can use to be kinder to
yourself this season.
First, reframe thosequote-unquote perfect summer
(03:33):
expectations.
The myth of the perfect summeris everywhere Social media group
chats, even in our own heads.
But what if the best summerisn't about doing it all but
about being present for whatmatters most?
(03:54):
Try this Instead of making amile-long summer bucket list,
choose one or two things thattruly matter to you and your
family and let the rest go.
I remember when my kids wereyounger, summers were a
challenge because the schedulewas just different and all of us
(04:18):
had to adjust to this unusual,different from the rest of the
year schedule and, as workingparents, their dad and I were
always kind of scrambling tofind things for them to do that
would keep them occupied,excited and learning, and so our
(04:44):
focus tended to be on everysingle week what can we engage
them in that is going to keepthem interested, energized and
excited about what they weredoing?
And that was it.
That was the focus.
So find the thing, that one ortwo things that really matter to
(05:05):
you and your family, and therest of it.
Well, if you get to it, great,if not, that's okay.
The second thing that you can dois just embrace imperfection as
a path to peace.
Barry learned that some daysdinners take out and screen time
(05:27):
is survival, so he can catch upon work while the boys watch
something.
Is it a crime?
Well, I think in a lot ofparents' minds it is letting the
screens teach the children.
But you know, I thinkeverything works when it is
balanced, and so for Barry,that's okay.
(05:49):
When we let go of perfection,we create space for peace and
softer moments, moments wherelaughter replaces stress and
connection displaces chaos.
So ask yourself, what can I letgo of today to make room for a
(06:10):
little piece?
I would argue you should beasking yourself that around the
year, even when you are notdealing with summer schedules.
The third thing that I will giveyou is set realistic,
compassionate goals for yoursummer.
So, instead of aiming for doingit all, set clear, achievable
(06:34):
intentions for your summer.
What is the most importantthing?
Maybe the most important thingis that you get off work early
so you can pick them up andenjoy the outdoors.
I used to do that when I livedin Chicago.
I was blessed to be in aposition where I could pick up
my kids at three o'clock whentheir summer school program
(06:56):
ended and they're at the labschool in Chicago and I would go
over to the University ofChicago.
I'd pick them up and we'd go tothe beach, or we would hop on a
boat and we'd go on a boat ride, or we would go to Navy Pier
and we'd wander around and justhang out and it was just great
fun.
(07:16):
And that was the goal.
That was.
The only goal was just to enjoythe outdoors and find something
fun that we could all dotogether.
So, whatever it is for you,figure out what that is and just
focus on doing that one thing.
Maybe it's 30 minutes offocused work before breakfast.
(07:37):
That's your personal goal.
Maybe it's one family outing aweekend?
That's your total goal for thefamily.
Whatever it is, make itrealistic and celebrate every
small win.
Remember progress, notperfection, is the goal.
(08:03):
To wrap up our quick episode,embrace this thought.
Summer doesn't have to be astress marathon.
You don't have to run hitherand tither.
For those of you who have kidsin sports, you're already
running hither and tither.
You don't need to add anythingelse to that schedule.
And if you are that parentwho's running hither and thither
(08:25):
with the sports, then your goal, which is already underway, can
very easily be just to ensurethat your kids are exposed to
different kinds of physical andother activities, creative
activities, and that they'rehaving fun and that they are
learning and stretching theirminds.
They might not make it to theNFL or the NBA.
(08:48):
That might not even be anaspiration.
They might not make it to theOlympics, but for now, the goal
is for them to learn how to getalong with other kids, to learn
sportsmanship, to learn how tolose with grace, how to win well
and to have fun and be outdoors.
(09:10):
That is a fine, fine goal, andif that's all you do this summer
, that is enough.
By reframing expectations andembracing imperfection, you can
cultivate a more peaceful,joyful and supported season for
(09:31):
yourself and those you love.
Carry this intention with youand let it guide your choices.
Remember you don't have to doit all.
Sometimes the most peacefulsummer is the one where you
simply show up, imperfect butpresent.
(09:51):
Join us next week, where Ithink we'll be talking about
flexible routines, structurewithout stress, and don't forget
to click the link in the notesto meet Barry and dive deeper
into mindfulness strategies youcan implement in your daily life
no matter what is going onaround you, starting with just
(10:15):
five minutes a day Peaceful,clear, joyful, supported.
That is your mindful.
In five summer zen Until nextweek.
This is Beway saying be mindfuland be well.
James@DiscovertheVoice (10:32):
Thank you for listening to Mindful in
5.
If you enjoyed it, share itwith a friend, follow and rate
it on your favorite podcastplatform.
Pick up your signed copy of thebook and journal from
spiwejefferson.
com, or unsigned copies fromAmazon, barnes, noble or
wherever you get your books.
Visit spiwejefferson.
(10:52):
com to download sample chaptersof the book, watch videos and
become a mindful ninja.
Join us on the LinkedIn Mindfulin 5 group and share your
thoughts Until next.
Next time, be mindful and bewell.
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