This summer, though, I’m determined not to be the same stressed out workaholic I am the rest of the year and instead, I’m going to kick back, relax, and enjoy myself. I’m going to throw caution to the wind and have as much fun as humanely possible, and here’s how I plan on doing it:
- I won’t turn down a social invitation. I don’t mean that I’m going to go to every single event, but if I get invited to an old friend’s birthday or asked to do something I’ve never done, I’m going to be all-in. I would usually blow those types of things off because I have too much work or not enough time to fit them in, but this summer, I’m going to make the time. I need a little fun in my life.
- I’m going to stop overthinking. Instead of constantly wondering how things will turn out or whether or not any particular plan is going to serve me in the long run, I’m going to just roll with it. I’m going to stop overthinking every little detail of my life and just let the chips fall where they may. Practicing mindfulness will allow me to enjoy the summer instead of working through it while complaining.
- Worrying will be off the table. I’ve been so worried about how the future will turn out that I’m constantly waiting for next weekend, next month, or next year to actually start living my life. That’s BS and it’s doing nothing but allowing my life to pass me right on by. This summer, I’ll be free to enjoy the moment because I won’t be too busy thinking about the next one.
- I’m going to lose track of time. Instead of focusing so much on timelines, I’m going to just get things done when I can. Of course, I have work I can’t just opt out on, but outside of that, I can do what I want when I want to do it. I’m not going to watch the clock or count the hours until I get to a moment that I think will be more fun. I’m going to lose track of time and live for the now, no matter what I’m doing.
- I’ll process my feelings instead of bottling them up. If I’m in a bad mood, I’m going to let myself accept whatever’s pissing me off, deal with it, and the move on. The same goes for when I’m in a good mood. I’m going to throw myself fully in that excellent mood and just live in it. Instead of pushing feelings aside because I don’t have time for them, I’m going to deal with my feelings when they hit me and not worry about how they’re going to affect me later.
- New will be the name of my game. Instead of continuously doing the same things I’ve always done because I think I enjoy them, I’m going to spend the summer on the hunt for firsts. Doing new things will keep my focus on the moment at hand because I won’t know what to expect next. The best part is, it won’t matter. I won’t have to think about the next moment at all because I’ll be too busy being in tune with the one I’m in.
- I’m going to stay active. Now that it’s nice out (and where I live, that’s a big deal), I have no reason to not go out and breath in the fresh air. Any physical activity done is going to bring me to the present moment because when I work out, I’m focused solely on what I’m doing. I’m not thinking about tomorrow or the next day and I’m sure as hell not thinking about five years ago. I’ll just be there, moving my body and enjoying every minute of it.
- I’m going to chill with my social media usage. I’m not going to stop posting and snapping altogether—I’m not an animal!—but I do plan to do it less. The more I post on social media, the more I realize how bored I am. It’s just the way I am. If I’m having a great time, I’m not even looking at my phone. Instead of allowing myself to get bored while out and posting about all the “fun” I’m having, I’m going to avoid putting my whole life on display and actually live it instead.
- Meditation will be key. It’s no secret that meditating has its benefits, and it will definitely help when it comes to training my mind to stay in the moment I’m in rather than the one that’s coming or that’s already passed. This summer, I plan to take five minutes out of every day and just get in the zone. That way, if my mind ever does start wandering, I’ll have practiced how to control it.
- I’m going to stop worrying about the consequences. Instead of dissecting every single little thing in my life, I’m just going to do things because they’re exactly what I want to do at that moment. I won’t be worried about what they’ll lead to because really, it doesn’t even matter. I’m going to stop thinking twice about everything and just jump in with both feet if it’s something I really want.
