Can you believe it? It is already nearing the end of July! Well, I suppose anyone could believe it, because summer at its finest is entirely too short. That's just how it is. I can't believe I will venture into my Junior year of college in less than a month.
Time is precious- it is a gift and greatly taken for granted. Humanity gets sucked into worldly actions, thoughts, and pursuits that suck our time and energy away. But, here are 9 ways that you can involve yourself with that will buy you some time for the rest of your summer.
1. Be home.
Be invested in the place and people that you were placed with. This doesn't necessarily have to be immediate family. Not every home situation is the same. So, wherever home is for you, be there. Take the time to recharge and invest in a place and individuals that bring you back to the place you truly belong and feel loved and safe.
2. Read and write
I blog. I journal, I read a couple books, some devotional readings, the Bible, articles about "life hacks", and the likes.Use some time to not just sit on social media sites, but to be interactive, and having a sense of knowledge and response with the world around you.
3. Be as organized as can be
Sometimes all we want to do is veg out, or, on cont rare, we have a summer job in which grips time away from us. Despite either or, find and make time to get a sense of organization whether it be in personal life, school, or work. It will serve you well in the long run, especially when school kicks back up and you seem to be scrambling to get everything ready.
4. Soak in the sun
It's okay if you don't have time or means to go on vacation. I hardly did this summer either, at least not with my family. But if you have a day off, go to the pool, hang out in the back yard, and have some time to catch some rays. If you live in a place with all seasons too, you'll also know how much sunny summer days mean.
5. Save your pennies
If you are working this summer, I've been reminded that the more you earn, doesn't necessarily mean extra pocket money. Don't forget to set a limit and budget in the summer too when it is most easy to be lax about eating out more, ice cream trips, vacation expenses, and clothe shopping. Just be cautious that you're not left empty handed when next semester's payment is due and you've spent your summer earnings on Chipotle, Chick Fil a, and Starbucks one too many times, (guilty).
6. Talk to some long lost friends
I met some kids I graduated high school with at a country concert. I am back in touch with my best girl friend from childhood. I am going to college and living in an apartment right next door to another childhood friend. Time and life just have its ways of getting back around to us. Most times it is great and it has been rewarding being in touch with these people, even if it is under poor circumstances, or we realize how much catching up we have to do.
7. Get ready for the next school year
Yeah, I know, it kind of sucks to think I'll have my nose back in the books and the fingers typing away again for hours editing and re-editing papers for the next 9 months... and I like school! Still, it is worth your while to get in touch with some professors and advisers to see what the next semester will look like. Make sure you have a decent baring on what is needed for next semester or make a checklist of what you'll need in the final days of summer.
8. Set some goals and objectives
Even though summer is quickly passing us by, what's on your mind or your bucket list? Are there things you genuinely need to get done or sincerely want to accomplish by the end of summer or into the beginning of the next school year? If not, then maybe you are just vegging out. Put some time to use and think about what you can strive for, look forward to, save up for, or invest in for the next month and looking into the school year. Setting goals and objectives to obtain those goals is not only a motivator, but also a healthy way to live and will encourage you as an individual as well as effect the world and relationships around you.
9. Do what you love
Don't forget the pick up soccer games, the occasional golf outing or baseball game with your dad, spending time outside with some family or friends too. While getting older and maintaining a job are realistic and necessary, don't forget to take the needed break and remember that IT IS STILL SUMMER.
