I tend to be an overthinker.

It really doesn't matter what it is. If it needs to get done, chances are I've made a list, color-coded it, named it, and probably even given it a theme.

From house chores to game nights to a day at the lake, you can count on the fact that I'll have a three-page handwritten plan, backed up by a printed spreadsheet, with everyone assigned a task they'll either hate... or completely ignore.

In my defense, there are usually five or six of them and only one of me, so without some sort of plan of attack, things can get overwhelming in a hurry.

The upside is that I'm usually prepared for whatever the day decides to throw at us. I'll have the first-aid kit when someone skins a knee, an entire roll of paper towels for the spills or if we run out of napkins, and even a tablecloth to cover the less-than-pristine picnic table before lunch is served.

The downside is that it can be very exhausting always thinking about everything that might go wrong, or the one obscure item we might need when leaving the house. And yes, I can admit that it, (or I) can sometimes take the fun out of, well, just having fun.

So, this year, I have been trying very hard to just let things percolate naturally and spontaneously, loosening my grip a bit. And if by chance we run out of napkins at the lake, maybe a beach towel will do. And if we forget something….well, we’ll probably survive.

Taking a step back isn’t an easy task for me. But, I really must confess that I am finding the less-planned outing, a little easier. The laughter feels more genuine, the conversations last a little longer, and the memories seem to happen all on their own.

So, if you're looking for a fun-filled, easygoing summer day, throw caution to the wind... or maybe just throw the spreadsheet out the window and wing it!

And as my husband likes to remind me whenever I start packing for a three-hour outing as though we're heading into the wilderness...

"We're only a few minutes from a superstore at all times."

I just love his logic.

You know I’ll still throw a roll of paper towels in the car, some habits are way too hard to break!