There are New Year’s goals that many of us seem to overestimate. We embark on a journey to reach a certain target, yet rarely reach it because life gets in the way, especially with schoolwork and everything in between. If you are off for the summer or feel a little more energized because of the warm weather, this summer is the time for you to focus on you and all of those goals you are still striving for!
1. Get Outside!
No matter where you are, breathe in the fresh air, catch some rays and dance under the rain clouds. Just taking a short walk or even taking the trek to the mailbox will refresh your spirit. Encourage yourself to venture outside at least once a day. We often forget the impact of nature until we truly place ourselves upon its glory. You don’t have to become an avid hiker or a nature-enthusiast, just take the time to experience the beauty and calmness of the world outside your window.
2. Make Something Just For You
Not everyone is crafty and not all of us can cook mac and cheese without burning down the kitchen, but we can all find something that even our itty bitty creativity can handle. Putting aside the stresses of everyday life, filled with countless deadlines and endless duties, begin a project that doesn’t take hours of thinking and can be completed in even only a few hours. When you put your attention on a small project, your mind will relax and release the stressors of what other things still need to get done. Take a trip to Walmart, buy a flower pot and some paint and get to crafting. Next time you are pulling out your hair next at your work desk, stop to smell the roses blooming from your polka-dotted, hand-painted pot and reminisce on your time you spent focusing on making something just for you.
3. Do Something You Never Imagined Trying
Being adventurous becomes very difficult when life seems to consist of a pattern of repetitive schedules and jumbled sleeping periods. Break the boring routine and try something out of the ordinary. No need to break world records or make your local news, just challenge yourself. Run a mile farther than your usual daily exercise or finally treat yourself to a BigMac, something you haven’t even dared to think about since High School. Doing something new isn’t just to place a detour in your schedule, it’s to find the things your spirit desires. Doing something out of the ordinary can quickly become your new hobby. See where life can take you when you take a leap of faith, even if it is a minor step. Doing so, you will find yourself solely listening to your heart.
4. Surround Yourself With People
The summer is the greatest excuse to go out and actually interact with people. You can’t say it’s too cold, there is no snow to stop you and heck, the sun stays out even longer! Visit old friends, venture to your grandparent’s house or just have a conversation with the Walmart greeter. Being around people will instantly boost your mood. It will also motivate you to get things done or even to get out every day. It is a funny thing, but other people are the key to finding ourselves. Challenge yourself to continuously be around people this summer, you will be amazed by the person you discover in yourself.
5. Create Your Own Happiness Just For You
Focus on just being happy! Think of yourself for a little and remember the things that make you feel your best. Do whatever it is that makes you happy and do even more to discover what else can keep a permanent smile on your face. This summer is all yours; whatever you do, make these warm days and sun-kissed hours exactly how you want them to be! Find your happiness and leave behind the sunburns and old flip flops as you make this summer a time of transformation and pure happiness.
