The trees are green and the sun is out more often. Indeed summer has begun. Wow! People have wondered how to better enjoy this season. With so many choices around, they can’t decide what to do. Well, I have five suggestions.
Relish the moment
As human beings with all inherent weaknesses and frailties, we’ve mulled about the past and we’ve meticulously planned our future. Almost daily, we forget that we have a second, a minute, an hour, and a day just to enjoy these precious lives of ours.
Enjoy the present. The past is gone and we’re left with golden memories to recollect. And the future is unpredictable so we can’t benefit from it yet. But then we have a wonderful and surprising present that unfolds before our eyes. Focus on what is here and now.
Feel the warm summer breeze. Experience the enigma behind the moonlit night even as you relish the crackling marshmallows on a bonfire. Savor the birds’ songs as they rest at your porch Appreciate what the great Lord has given you. Enjoy every second of your life.
Challenge yourself
Take college courses. Don’t let age and distance stop you from learning. Through internet, you can now access university lectures and conferences through webinars or webcasts. In fact, present-day retirees prefer to learn and to attend formal courses for the sake of enjoyment.
Discover new ways of doing things. Experiment on how to cook a special dish each day. Perhaps try one from a different culture. Find out what old hobbies to hone or what new hobbies to delight in. Try photography or moviemaking. It feels great to see the beauty of your creation.
Hike complex trails, run a marathon, or join the “Iron Man” competition. Don’t worry about winning. Just have fun.
Reinvigorate relationships
Good and strong families are created by daily (not just seasonal) and consistent love and positive affirmations. But summer is a great time to further strengthen your family bond.
Travel and do outdoor or indoor activities together with no TV, video, or computer games as distractions. Just focus on each other — share memorable stories about your ancestors or about yourself, tell funny and yet appropriate jokes, listen actively to what everyone has to say, and share music and laughter. Frequent quality communication is the key.
Strengthen your relationship with friends. Invite them for some summer fun like a picnic or a party. If some are going through difficult times, provide comfort, advice, or direction. Regardless of what the situation is, always offer your listening ear.
Also, try to reconnect with long lost friends. Through internet, you can now inexpensively communicate through Facebook, e-mail, or chat. If you wish, you may also reconcile with your enemies or establish new friends.
Volunteer to serve
In Canada, we’re blessed with so many opportunities. Many countries envy our natural wonders, peaceful environment, vibrant economy, and caring, friendly people. It’s important that we freely share some of our talent, skills, money, and time to our community. Others need our uniqueness, our special God-given gifts.
Give free art, music, and painting lessons. Teach sports (for example soccer and volleyball) and propose to coach a team. Encourage kids to read by giving books and by reading to them. Join organizations and summer camps and offer your services.
As the old saying goes, the more we give, the more we receive. And what we get usually transforms us. More than anything, it’s spiritual and transcending to serve.
Explore new horizons
A moment ago, I’ve just written that we should relish the moment. But there are times when change is the best alternative. If you’re not contented with what you have and where you are now, consider exploring new horizons.
Think about a new career, a different and yet stimulating job in another city, or another exciting business opportunity. Sometimes, ending abusive relationships and meeting new friends may be good options. It may be uncomfortable at first, but it will get better as days pass by.
Taking a fresh path, embracing change, or exploring an uncharted territory is not for everyone. But those people who do so have discovered a renewed life and a great beginning.
Have a great summer and see you again in September!