How to Make This Your Best Summer Ever!
May 20th, 2010, by Shelley Riutta
“Celebrate Summer–Sun drenched days and starlit night…”
Gooseberry Patch
Sam Keen
It’s the middle of May—why think about summer now? What I have noticed over the years in working with clients and in my own life that if we don’t plan our summer ahead of time–it tends to get planned for us by others or lost in the busyness of life. All of a sudden it gets to the end of the summer and you have run out of time to do the things you really wanted to do.
So now is the time to get out your calendar and start planning your best summer yet!
7 Tips to make this your best summer:
1. Get clear about what you want–what are your intentions for the summer. Do you need a summer with lots of relaxation–lying on a hammock reading a favorite book? Do you need a summer with adventure–traveling to places you have always wanted to visit? Do you need a summer filled with fun times with the people you love? Are you drawn to more solitude or connection with others? You might want a mix of some of the above. The more you set your intention and then plan right now–the more likely you are to fulfill your deepest dreams for your summer.
2. Take 100% responsibility for your happiness this summer. It is your job to create the summer you would like–it is in no one else’s hands. Do not make your good times dependent on someone else. If you want to travel and your partner does not want to–find someone else to go with–or go on your own. Let go of the false belief that you are selfish if you focus on your own happiness. You are actually being self-responsible when you do this. It is our job to create as much happiness for ourselves as possible. You uplift those around you with your joy and happiness. I have clients who have transformed their whole family by their own happiness and joy. So let go of the guilt and know that it is your job to create your own fun.
3. Decide who you want to play with this summer. Who are the people in your life you have the most fun with? Plan to be with those people this summer. Don’t do things with others out of a feeling of obligation–follow your heart and be with the people you can really play with. If you don’t have people you can play with in your life—set an intention to meet people this summer with whom you can have fun.
4. Put in on your schedule NOW- Get your calendar out and plan these fun events now. Connect with your friends and/or family and make a plan. Again–if you can’t find someone to join you on your adventure–plan it on your own.
5. Don’t back down- Take a stand for your fun. Don’t let pressure from others make you back down from what you really want to do. Stay firm on your intentions for your summer and let go of others’ reactions–their reactions have more to do with them then you. You will be amazed at how great you will feel when you follow through with your plan.
6. Connect with the little kid inside of you–If you have a hard time thinking of things that you would love to do tune into the little kid inside of you. This part of you has a ton of ideas for fun things to do. Things like: riding your bike, going out for ice cream, riding on a Ferris Wheel, going water-skiing, sleeping outside on a warm summer night.
7. Stay balanced as you plan- Make sure not to overplan your summer. Too much of a good thing can make summer activities more stressful than enjoyable.
Other ideas for Fun things to do in the summer:
*Take a day trip to a state park and walk/bike in the woods
*Attend a summer festival
*Go to the beach
*Go camping
*Take a road trip with no destination
*Go to a water park or amusement park (they are for big kids too:)
*Make a bonfire in the backyard
*Go watch a band playing outdoors