Summer 2017 is the perfect time to grow and become a better person as a whole, especially with all the chaos going on in the world. It is vital to know who we are and what we stand for. It is a critical time to reflect on the aspects of our lives that could be improved and to reset negative mindsets that have hindered true developmental growth. Here are 5 ways to embark on a journey that could change your life for the better!

1. Read! Read! Read!

The great American writer Mark Twain once said, " the man who does not read has no advantage over the man who can not read." As cliché and redundant as it may sound, reading is critical to feeding the brain what it needs. In order to fully develop as a whole entity, it starts with expanding your intellectual horizons. With reading, you are exposed to different interpretations and perceptions no matter the genre, author or book. Reading develops a person's ability to comprehend while also challenging an individual's thought process. Reading is the key to the world around us, and is also a guide to learning what others won't take the time to do. It seems this generation has lost touch of the enjoyment and pleasure reading offers because it is not emphasized like it needs to be. Nowadays, reading seems like a drag because it is labeled as a requirement when assigned in school. Finding a genre or topic that is intriguing to yourself and reading and taking pleasure in learning new things is what helps alter your mind grow.

2. Meditate

Often times we get so engrossed in so many activities that we leave out room for self-reflection. It is a MUST to self-reflect because, without it, you start to get lost in everyone else that you don't know who you really are. Take the time to sit down and reflect on past times that are both negative and positive. Through ALL experiences there is something to be learned or taken away. Sometimes sitting down and reflecting on experiences throughout the past week, month, or even year can change how you do things in the future. Media mogul Oprah Winfrey once stated, "as you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you - the first time around."

With meditation comes a peace of mind and a sense of awareness that cannot be reckoned with. Meditation allows you to tap into who you really are and what makes you happy.

3. Religion

Not to single out any religion (due to people's different religious choices), but when "religion" is stated in this article it means " having a relationship with a higher power/entity." Indulging yourself in religion creates a peace that cannot be disturbed. Life is all about faith and hope, and with God in your life, it makes life 100 times more meaningful. In this life, people tend to let us down and abandon us, but when you have God in your life you will forever have him and have the security in knowing that he will NEVER LEAVE nor FORSAKE you. Having a solid relationship with God will take you far spiritually, which is important because spiritual health and growth are important in finding out who you really are.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

If you look good you feel good! So why not do everything you can to feel good? Taking care of your body is vital because it is a representation of you. Working out, eating healthy, and maintaining good personal hygiene is critical to feeling good and relieving bad energy that has been cast your way. Looking good is also important in today's world because first impressions are lasting impressions. Taking care of your body has lasting effects on your long term health. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you live a long life, and avoid complications later on. Living a healthy lifestyle has also proven to improve your mood and boost your energy level.

5. Spend time with loved ones

People spend too much time trying to please and seek the attention of others that don't care about them the way they want or hope. Spending time on individuals that do not deserve your time and energy is time wasted. Time is precious, and the thing about life is you never know when the time will run out, you're running solely on chance every day. So why not spend as much time with people that love and appreciate you? Time is something that must not be taken for granted. Do not procrastinate by waiting to appreciate your loved ones, appreciate and cherish them now. Spending time with loved ones that reciprocate the same love and care (if not more) provides you with a motivation and a confidence that makes you feel invincible.

Summer 2017 is the time to turn things around and enjoy life to the fullest by tapping into who you are as a person by growing into who you always wanted to be. Why not start today?