- Don’t even dream of “acting your age.”
Now is the time for taking salsa dancing–secretly if you must. Or getting up an hour earlier–it’s light then–and writing down your most unformed thoughts. Take risks. Make a fool of yourself. - Make one tiny change in your routine.
Even the smallest alteration shakes up the whole day–in a good way. - Clean house. (Not the cupboard kind!)
But get rid of skeletons in the attic that needn’t bother you any more. Of so-called friends that are making you feel guilty, lazy, or inadequate. Of obligations that were onerous all winter but are now more so because they keep you out of the sunshine. Say “no” whenever the spirit moves you. - Make a new friend.
One of the best ways to get to know yourself in new ways is to get to know someone new. There are so many summer-only activities that can bring you in contact with people you don’t know. The old adage that if you follow your own interests you will meet like-minded people applies to library sales, summer classes, motorcycle driving classes, volunteering at a Y kids’ program. - Do unto yourself as you have been doing unto others.
You know what I mean here. Now is the time to take care of yourself in the ways you know are important, because you have been on the giving end for so long. It’s all about time. Taking time. Taking time out. Wasting time. Spending time with yourself, on yourself, doing things by yourself. - Prepare for the worst.
Not by dreading it, but by making sure your files are up to date–your insurance, your will, your finances (such as they are). Pick a rainy Saturday and check out your preparations for a rainy day. - Don’t let the body thing hold you back.
Go take a jump in the lake, even if it means exposing those white, limp thighs. But also schedule those checkups that are a key to maintaining health. - Retool some relationships.
It is easier to talk things through, to enjoy each other’s company, to redistribute responsibilities when the pressure is off. Even if the pressure isn’t off, it seems to feel that way in the summer. And with all the changes you are going through, there is surely some tweaking to do in that department. - Try some life experiences on for size.
If you have spent the last year or so asking yourself “What am I going to do with the rest of my life?” now is the time to test out some of the answers you are considering. If you are thinking of moving, take a visit to one of the prospective cities. If you are thinking of working in the nonprofit world, volunteer a couple of hours at an organization you are interested in. If you are thinking of devoting yourself seriously to your garden or to chess or to karate, devote yourself not-so-seriously for a couple of weeks and see how it feels. - Surprise yourself.
Speaking of “not-so-serious,” all of the above is really about not taking yourself so seriously but taking control of your life as best you can. Whatever the fall and winter bring, now is now, and that’s where the opportunities for self-discovery are. Surprise yourself.
0 like
Permalink: http://www.vibrantnation.com/live-it-lists/10-life-lessons-to-make-the-most-of-the-rest-of-your-summer/
ReginaLove, that is SO great to hear! As for soy, it may help with menopause symptoms -- it it controversial. The best way to use soy is in the form of whole fermented soy foods (miso, tempeh, tamari and natto). Non-fermented soy foods such as soy mi
Agreed. I never thought I was vain until I had a mastectomy at age 39. I was devastated and told the doc I wanted to wake up with implants. Now at age 60, I am lopsided and wondering if I was just avoiding the inevitable. You get what you get and you
Sounds very interesting.
Spike, you are awesome! Love your perspective, thanks for sharing.
These are 10 good reasons to celebrate the second adulthood. I have finally decided I don’t care how my legs look when it is hot (I live in the south) and I am wearing shorts and skirts! I have reached the point in my life where I feel free to do as I wish(within reason of course)
Your defiance is an inspiration for me. I’m dying to put on a skirt this summer.
This summer has been all about working for myself. I get up early and do research, design ideas, eBay listings, etc. On certain days I may just catch up on reading. another day meet a friend for lunch after going into town to get some needed information from whatever source is required. another day I may spend writing or a full day of nothing but cleaning up my office, filing and organizing. I love the flexibility of working at home and connecting with online resources. Corporate america may have provided a paycheck but it certainly didn’t teach me to be as self-reliant and resilient as self-employment has.