A Refreshing Family Summer

​By: Jennifer McClellan, MA, NCC, APC​

You’ve made it through the school year during a global pandemic!  Kudos to you – Be PROUD of yourself! Regardless of the platform you utilized during the school year – you did it – you are here at the heart of a new beginning – SUMMER!

Instead of focusing on what you gave up in 2020 (and some of 2021) – Ask yourself – WHAT DID I GAIN? Do I want to return to something I miss?  What am I ‘ok’ leaving out?
 
Try reflecting on your EXPERIENCES this past year…
REFLECTION is a great way to learn something about yourself…
 
You might find you have gained resiliency, patience, or how you adapted to stay connected to what matters most to your heart…whatever it is what did you LEARN about yourself?
 
Notice what feelings came up and what was difficult, what was easy?  Want to change something?  Maybe you want to try something different…
 
Here’s what I noticed – it was difficult to stay on a schedule – adapting to changes I was not ready for – some unsavory habits were created (and some good ones I will keep). 
 
Now try reflecting on what you want to see different – where can I create new and more fulfilling habits?
 
Here’s some fun and simple ways to CREATE your summer and stay connected to what matters most to your heart:
 

• Enjoy NATURE – take a walk and find 5 things you have never noticed before
• Enjoy the SUN & the WATER (creeks, rivers, lakes, oceans, a pool)
• PLANT new flowers or vegetables – enjoy them all summer long
• Try a new summer RECIPE (homemade popsicles are the best on a hot day)
• Create a SCAVENGER HUNT with friends or family
• Create FAMILY game or movie night – with snacks!
• Make homemade LEMONADE (you can also make popsicles with it)
• Clean out your ROOM and have a friend help you REORGANIZE it
• Clean out the garage/basement and create a small SPACE FOR YOURSELF (this works in other areas of the house too)
• Cruise through your public library and select a book of YOUR choice to READ

 
Look at summer as relaxation, renewal, rest, and maybe a RESET to CREATE what sings to your heart.
 
What are YOU looking forward to this SUMMER?
 
Proverbs 27:19 NIV, As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.
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