This Summer

I feel like this is the summer that never happened. Once the ‘Rona hit, our choices became severely limited. I know that I, at least, thought it would last for a couple months, maybe three tops. It’s been more months than I care to count. It seems like it was just the 4th of July and all of a sudden, more than a month has passed. Here it is mid-August and we’re not much better off than we were. Now’s the time when I would typically review what I’ve done so far this summer versus what I wanted to do and make a plan to finish off my list.

This year, I’m just going to be happy doing ANYTHING I had on my list. I can’t do any fairs, carnivals, large events, or anything else involving large groups of people. What I can do, though, is try some things that I might not have thought of before. I know a lot of people have bought small pools and yard toys to get through this summer and it helps out with the kids. I think a lot of us are getting used to improvising while staying around the house, so I’m trying to think of activities that we can do while enjoying the rest of the nice weather we’re having before we’re stuck indoors again.

Some of the things that I’ve thought of include:

• Set up an exercise area outdoors on your patio or in your yard. Do some stretches or exercises outside to stay fit and enjoy the weather. Depending on your area, you might have to do it early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the heat!

• Rent a book or eBook from your local library. You can pick one that will take you on an adventure or one that is easy reading. You can choose a time to “get away from it all” and enjoy your reading time solo or make it a family activity. Include the kids for a family reading hour.

• Also available through the library are several apps that allow you digital access to learning programs such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and comics. You can stream films, documentaries, tv shows, movies, and music. You could spend days just exploring all the available options.

• Check out an online course at your local college. There are for-credit options as well as non-credit courses for personal enrichment including health & wellness classes, craft/photography classes to learn a new skill, and business/marketing courses that will address both personal and business needs that you might find helpful. Grab your tablet and a lawn chair and spend some time learning something new.

• If you’re working from home, as many people are, try to take several small breaks throughout the day. Take a brisk walk around the block to get the blood flowing. When you have more time, check out a different area or park in your neighborhood.

• Try your hand at journaling! Now is a perfect time to take up writing. You can jot down your thoughts or notes about your day, your family, your life. Think about how much fun your grandchildren will have reading about this history-making time in your life! Plus, journaling has proven health benefits, both psychologically and physically. There are tons of resources out there for ideas, supplies, and benefits. Really, you can start today with a paper and pen. Have fun with it!

• Last, but not least, simply sit. Take a break from the rest of your day and just go outside and sit. Be Still. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and enjoy nature. Feel the sun on your skin, listen to the birds chirp, and just BE.

Whatever you choose to do with the remaining days of summer, I hope you enjoy them! Feel free to reply with any other fun ideas that you might have.

Be Well!