Is it really almost July? Seriously! September and then winter will be here before I’ve had time to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. This fact is so depressing to me. But, what’s even more depressing is that I feel I’m wasting a lot of the summer, not doing the activities I had planned. I was going to kayak everyday I could, play tons of golf, and buy a new bike and ride down to the local farmer’s market – instead I’m still driving!
I started thinking how I’m going to rectify the situation with the time I have left. I want to sit inside come winter, watch the snow, and cherish those summer memories! So, I came up with a list of what I’m going to do to make sure I don’t waste another minute and fill the rest of my summer days with activities that make me happy and take advantage of that sun and warmth.
But, don’t get me wrong. I’m not going to rush around trying to get it all in and forgetting to stop and just enjoy. I’m actually doing the opposite. I’m slowing down to make sure I appreciate the quality moments in every drop of the summer that’s left and most importantly, going to share these moments with friends!
Making the Most of Your Summer
PRIORITIZE A TO DO LIST
First off, I’m going to sit down, outside of course, and come up with a to do list of what I would like to accomplish and prioritize, so I make sure to get to what will make me happiest. After all, time is of the essence here with summer passing quickly!
HAVE A PARTY
I’m one who loves having dinner parties; I really do. I enjoy deciding who to invite, coming up with a menu, and then planning the details. But, I have been remiss for far too long. It’s time to change all that and have everyone over for a party!
Get out the margarita glasses and make sure there’s propane in the tank for the grill and start inviting! After all, being with friends and family is truly what’s important, often gets overlooked, but should move to the top of my list.
TAKE TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS
If you’re like me and live in a cold climate, you spent a lot of time inside last winter with the snow and bitter cold. So, you would think you’d be spending every waking moment in the great outdoors. But, I’m still having my morning coffee inside when I should be sitting out on the patio. I’m working at the kitchen table when I could be sitting with my computer in the chaise in the shade.
I can’t believe I even hesitated when a hostess at a restaurant asked if we wanted to sit inside or out. I was still working out inside until it dawned on me how stupid that was. I have now taken my exercising to the great outdoors – remembering the sunscreen – and so should you if you haven’t already. Kayaking, golfing, and walking the dogs are my new pleasures.
MAKE SPECIAL MEMORIES WITH THE KIDS
Time to think out of the box and do something special and meaningful with the kiddos, whether they’re 4 or 24! Make those memories now! Think about what either of you have wanted to do, but no one has had time for and make the time. Here are some ideas if your mind is drawing a blank…Find an arts and crafts project you can do together. Make a movie. Write a play and act it out before school starts. Bake something special from scratch and be goofy while you’re doing it. Create a movie night in the backyard. Volunteer someplace together that has meaning to the family. Take that teen along with you on a day trip.
GO ON A WEEKEND GETAWAY
It’s amazing what a weekend getaway can do for your mental attitude when you can leave your reality behind and have no responsibilities . My husband and I recently took a weekend trip up to Rhode Island and came home really refreshed. I highly recommend you try getting away if you can take the opportunity. We had such a great time we’re escaping to Maine in a few weeks.
DECLUTTER AND SPRUCE UP THE HOUSE
Just like I discard layers of clothes in summer, I really want to strip away the crap in my house and declutter. I’ve never been a hoarder, but stuff just seems to collect. I want empty cabinets, but not so I can buy more stuff. I want them to stay empty. I want light and airy. I also want to fill the house with fresh flowers, some even from my own backyard, and give it a fresh coat of paint. Finally, I want to work on the landscaping, I need to get rid of the weeds, cut back some overgrown plants, thin out where I got overzealous, and add some more color.
DAY TRIP IT
I have tons of options for this living close to New York City, but I sadly rarely take advantage. I have wanted to see the High Line and the Intrepid for years and I can’t remember the last time I hit the museums. Plus, there are so many cute towns worth exploring not far away just calling me for a visit. What’s great is I can choose to do this on my own or with my friends/family and you can certainly opt to include the kids or not.
GET TOGETHER WITH GIRLFRIENDS
I haven’t seen enough of my friends this summer at all. I guess everyone is either busy, on vacation, or perhaps time has just gotten away from them, too, This needs to change, whether it’s one on one or in a group. Options are plentiful for things to do. It’s just picking up the phone, texting, or whatever, and making the connection.
Whatever you do, I hope you don’t waste another moment of your summer like I’ve done. From this day forward, I’m going to take advantage of all it has to offer, so come winter, there are no regrets. Well, maybe on that 95 degree 95 % humidity day I’ll choose to stay inside, but I’ll be planning what I’m doing next when it cools down…
Do you have plans for the rest of your summer?
For more great content about summer, please be sure to check out these awesome posts written by my fellow Chosen Chix bloggers:
- Car Essentials for Summer Adventures by November Sunflower
- 10 Things To Do With Kids During The Summer by The Mommy-Files
- How to Preserve Garlic Scapes from the Garden by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
- Surviving Summer Vacation by Another Day… Another Diaper…
- 8 Books to Read This Summer by The NYC Talon
- 10 Simple Ways to Keep Kids Active This Summer by philZENdia
- Creative Uses of a Pool Noodle In Summer by Family Review Guide
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Sherry is one of the TriWivesClub and LifeDoneWell co-founders and contributes to multiple blogs. She is a former co-owner of the California Apparel News and had a career in the healthcare industry. Her passions include traveling, real food, the environment, and animal rescue/welfare. She lives a healthy lifestyle and has been a vegetarian since 1987. She and her husband are parents to two rescue pups and reside in Connecticut.
