YES! The dreaded finals are finally over and for once you feel the warm breezes wash over your fuzzy-eyed face. It's summer. The nostalgia of not having to do anything that will be graded is a feeling we all missed, but now another familiar frustration settles in. What are we going to do this summer? We've heard millions of stories regarding our friends amazingly meaningful and impressive internships or about the gazillions of jaw-dropping concerts others are going to (which we missed the memo about because we were deep in the bowels of our troll caves fretting over finals) and now we have to plan our amazing summer - in hopes it won't be another stay at home Netflix and cookie dough all day vaca (you know who you are).
If you're wondering what to do (and where all your money went over the year), hopefully this will give you some insight into seven things that can help make this summer, the summer of a lifetime.
1. Forget the Usual – Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That.
You didn't sit through hours of finals to come home and sit through hours of series. Forget all the usual things you would do during the break like; laze about, avoid the gym (you know who you are), stay inside a lot, soak in series, etc. Try your constant best to change the tide a bit, start small, and find other things you are interested in. Now I'm not saying forget doing what you like, I am simply saying dont stay in your shell most of the time. Make your shell a place to come back to after you've stepped out and pranced about your new life of exploration. Try working out, like seriously working out for that body you always wanted, or taking a trip with your family or friends, eating at that new (sketchy) restaurant with the girl/guy next door. Do something new in your life, and do it all the time.
2. No New Frets, No, No, No.
Summer is no time for sulking. Sure it won't be perfect, there will be ups and downs but don't let them build a wall between you and your fun in the sun. If a problem comes your way do not ponder if it's petty. Deal with it the best way you can, with help from others, as quickly as possible. Don't be a sulker this summer. When life gives you lemons, make some lemon tea and sip it - like that's non of your business. Remember that things come into your life and don't leave till you've learnt what you need, so be open minded about it; after all, some problems are blessings in disguise.
3. Get Crazy, Get Wild!
Not really but here's how. Do one thing that's completely out of your world (safe and legal). I'm going bold! What can you do? Anything (that's safe and legal)! It could be dying your hair stark white, telling your crush "hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here's my number, so call me PLEASE", it could even be going to the public library. Just anything completely crazy that could be your summer highlight - the one thing you'll look back on when you're old and grey and think "oh yeah, I was one crazy whipper snapper".
4. Do the things you love...with those you love.
Throughout this entire list it would be a crime to not mention the warm fuzzy family and friends feel. Summer isn't quite summer without those you love around you. To me, the warm memories of the summer doesn't come from the scorching hot rays of the sun, but from the love, care and happiness of those you keep dear to your heart. So, that being said, this summer do all of the above with those you hold dear. After all, how better to live outside your own box when your exploring others?
5. Meet New Faces, AND Keep In Touch.
Isn't it awesome when you meet some stranger in the most awkward situation at the café and they end up being your best friend for ever...oh wait, life story. Don't just say hi and bye, stay in touch with the awesome people you meet this break. Don't be afraid to keep the conversation rolling, and if it gets too deep...well a dull hi and bye might be in order. You are going to be sprung into all sorts of experiences this summer break, don't just keep the memories, keep the connections too. Trust me, it's worth it, for real.
6. Make A Differecne.
Heal the world, make it a better place. This summer look for ways you can leave a lasting positive impact on other people's lives. Spread the love, give a hug, help someone who really needs it, start a trend (#summersavior or something) - don't only do things differently, do something that will help somebody. You are more than capable of making an impact no matter what talents you think you do or do not have. As Batman said, and I quote, "A hero can be anyone. Even a person doing something as simple and reassuring as putting their coat around a young boys' shoulders to let him know the world hadn't ended" - deep.
