Summer is here and everywhere we look the atmosphere feels different. People are happy to be outdoors and enjoy the sunny days. It’s like we must compensate for everything we missed in 2020 – the places we could not visit, the restaurants we could not enjoy, and the friends we were not allowed to see. Maybe you are still working on your financial situation, or you’re looking for a job that better fulfills you – whatever the reason, hopefully, you can find time to enjoy this summer season.
If there is something we have reflected on 2020 it is how life is unpredictable, fragile, and limited. We need to take time to enjoy the simple things of life and find joy, no matter what our situation is. I do not know about you, but I am beyond ready to relax in the sun and enjoy life like it is the first time I have seen it!
Having these in mind, I decided to put together some simple ideas of how I plan to enjoy this summer and offer you some suggestions of how you can make your summer awesome even if you stay local.
Go Swimming or Learn How-To
Swimming is one of the most pleasant activities/sports. Swimming is my preferred activity during the hot summer days and I love swimming in the ocean!
The fact that you can enjoy the continual waves, the beautiful blue skies, and swim with a group of friends and strangers, is one of the most wonderful experiences of life.
If you do not know how to swim, summer is the best time to learn it. And since swimming is a skill you can learn at any age, I can’t imagine a better time of the year to discover how amazing watersports are. Check out your closest YMCA or public swimming pool for their schedule of swimming activities and commit to learning how to swim.
This is an activity that will bring you a lifetime of joy!
Plan a Staycation:
If you can’t travel, spend time outdoors! With the Covid restrictions lifted, enjoying the outdoors has become more fun. Just going for a walk, biking, or have a summer picnic can boost your spirits and change your mood. Nature has a way of connecting us and bringing life into a fresh perspective.
One simple and inexpensive thing you can do is to take a road trip within your city or state. You do not need to go far away to discover. Going day camping on a beach nearby, or just have a picnic in your favorite park are great activities to enjoy with family and friends. California has many state and city parks that are stunning. If you need some ideas, we have put a pin on Pinterest entitled “Staycation” with some public parks in Southern California that you will surely enjoy!
In addition, there are plenty of tourist places that we locals take for granted. They can be historic, have fun activities, and are unknown by many. Make a list of these places and plan a visit. My husband and I love to see the vibrant community we find at these sites. Some we have never seen before, but the majority we have enjoyed endless times with friends and family when they come to visit us. We guarantee that you will be surprised by how unique these places are. Just make sure your phone is well charged or bring a portable battery since you do not want to miss the opportunity to take spectacular photos.
Organize A Calendar with New Bands, And Give Them Your Support:
If you live in California, finding a great band this summer is going to be easy. There are plenty of bands playing everywhere now. To make sure you do not miss their performances, create a calendar with all the new ones. Give them your support by buying the tickets in advance. It will benefit you, but it will also help them. Many bands were left with no way of making money in 2020. Although is awesome to see famous bands, it can be more gratifying to give a new band your ears. I guarantee the tickets will be very affordable, the band will appreciate your support, and you will have a blast!
Travel To A Non-Tourist Place
Go somewhere you have never been before and try to be more open about your choices. Although many places around the world are still battling Covid 19, there are plenty of awesome places you can go for vacation. A different place does not have to be another country. The US has many unique places that are great for anyone looking for adventure. But try a region you have never been to before and explore places that are not so famous.
For instance, we plan to visit the countryside. We hope to see some small towns and reconnect to places where nature is still untouched.
Watch a Sunset/Sunrise
Life doesn’t need to be complicated. Every day we are reminded how to be happy with simple things. One simple thing you can do for yourself this summer is to take time out of your day to watch sunsets and sunrises.
Sunsets and sunrises are simple yet the most remarkable things of life. It’s free, it’s offered to you every day, and it’s relaxing. Because beaches are warmer during the summer, they make the perfect spot to watch a sunset or sunrise.
If you live nearby or are traveling to Southern California, great places to enjoy a sunset or sunrise are San Clemente and Redondo beach!
As you noticed, I have not put other things I enjoyed doing in past summers. Things like reading, watching movies, and more. I still enjoy these activities, but this summer I am focusing my energy on outdoor activities.
My list is simple yet with many options. It is just a reminder that everything comes down to setting a few objectives and following them. We are good at setting business and school goals. However, many times we fail in planning for a vacation or taking time off to enjoy simple things like summer. Life is not a race, so we need to remind ourselves to make time to appreciate it, no matter what our circumstances are.
Are you summer-ready? If you still haven’t planned your summer, this is a good time to work on it!
