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Saturday, May 10, 2014

8 Ways To Make The Most of Spring and Summer 2014

My number one goal for the rest of this spring and summer is to make the time worthwhile. A true procrastinator at heart, I really have to commit to making the most of something to really make the most of it. As I've mentioned, this was a LONG winter. Now, winter's my favorite season: so when I say it's long, it's long. But this extended 'hibernation' has really pepped me up for spring and summer.

Right now, I'm going through a little transition. Wrapping up some school subjects, and starting in on others. Trying to get a job. Making a new skating schedule, since the times all change in the summer months. I am really determined to finish up this summer knowing I used every minute, and not regret all the time I spent on Pinterest or something. This spring, I'm really looking forward to just being alive. I want to work hard and get sweaty, explore, learn, save, and relax (but the good kind of relax--not the loafing kind I do far too often!! :P). I can't wait for fun times with friends, 'deep' conversations, and hours spent reading alone. Basically I want an adventurous summer.

I suppose the reason for all this is, in the back of my mind, it's sorta my last 'usual' summer. I'll be a senior next year. Who know what my post-grad summer will be like? This summer is all about preparing for the future and reaching goals, all while really enjoying the present and connecting with those I love.

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To help me breakdown what all of this actually entails, I wrote out a list of 8 ways to make the most of this summer. Anyone in the same boat as me? What are your '8 ways'?

1.) Work hard. I'm committing to not taking the easy way out this summer. This obviously encompasses a lot, but I encourage you to really push yourself this summer. Don't just skimp by, don't go with the bare minimum. Do whatever it is you do to the best of your ability!

2.) Take a trip.  The best part of summer is that breaks can last more than a Sunday afternoon. And a trip doesn't have to be a big vacation...even a day trip or weekend with friends done on the cheap is just as exciting. Find someway to break up the monotony, and then add friends and family!

3.) Explore. Hike. Try a new coffee shop. Walk around downtown (maybe this is just me being weird, but I totally have Mary Tyler Moore moments whenever I do that! ). Just try something new, and see if there's a new favorite haunt you're going to want to keep through the school year.

4.) Get up. I know. I'm not a morning person. Personally, I'm going to try and sleep in only once a week, and then get up at my normal 6 the rest of the time. Sure, I don't like it, but getting up is the only way I get anything done. Not only do I do school better in the morning, but when I sleep in, I usually just waste the whole day...not a recipe for a fulfilling summer!

5.) Read. GAH. I love not having required reading! This summer, I really can't wait for time to just sit and have uninterrupted reading...I'm planning on bringing lots of books when we go camping in June, and hopefully getting a good amount of beach/lake reading in, too. Be sure to check the post I wrote last summer for my informal summer reading list. :)

6.) Dream. I can't speak for everybody, but I always feel a little more hopeful and 'invincible' during summer. Make a dream-board (badly needing to update mine...), write a life list, and take some time to journal. One of my bedroom walls is almost covered in sticky notes with random thoughts/ideas/quotes, but this summer I also want to write quotes on old paint chips and hang them on my other wall!

7.) Have a goal. This one sorta brings us back to No. 1. Set a goal for yourself--big or small--and then work hard to achieve it. Maybe you want to pass a skating test, get a job, read the Bible, take a challenging extra school course, get your license...whatever. Focus on something specific this summer!

8.) Be positive. Everything we do is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Right now, choose to make the best of things. No, this summer won't be perfect. There will be days when this is definitely not the amazing summer you're trying to have...but, that's life. I've been trying to adopt a 'do what you can, with what you have, where you are' attitude. We can always change things up and try something different, as long as we start now.

So tell me, what are some goals/dreams you have for summer? How are you going to go about attaining them? Have any suggestions for ways I could make the most of this summer?

Thanks for reading! Here's to a great summer, peoples! :)

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