Summer time. Days run together. Someone asks you what day it is and you gleefully reply, "I don't know." Ah, those were the days. Between work and blogging and general life, those days don't exist very much anymore. That's the cost of growing older. How can one balance the carefree spirit of summer with the need to stay some what organized? All I can do is share what's worked for me thus far this summer.
1. Pick a plan: I chose one aspect of my summer to give some structure to. For me, it was blogging. I have a planner where I put post ideas for the week, deadlines for any contributions to other sites, and goals. I don't do this for all of my involvements because then I'd feel like I was in school again. Ugh.
2. Set limits: Put a cap on screen time. I try, often unsuccessfully, to put an hour limit on all blog writing, reading, editing, etc. Time flies in front of the screen and summer is much better enjoyed in the sunshine. Even as I'm writing this, I feel convicted to be better at enforcing my limits. Hold me accountable please?
3. Let yourself get lost: Sure, you have an internship, you're studying for the MCAT, you're working full time but allow yourself to get caught up in a moment. Leave your phone at home and go for a long hike after work. Stay up too late reading an amazing book. The days may no longer run together, but that doesn't mean that hours can't fly by in pleasant stimulation.
Age might call for a more structured summer. Don't lose sight of your carefree spirit. I'm learning to do the same.
Share the love,
Taylor
So much truth in this post. I often wonder where the days went when you could just lie around in the sun with a good book without feeling bad that you weren't doing something productive. I don't think they will ever return. Nevertheless, if somebody had told me two years ago that I would someday have my own Etsy shop and would be running my own blog I would have probably called them crazy because that sounded like such a dream. So it's definitely good-busy. I'm definitely also working on trying to just relax this summer and getting lost - not that successfully I must admit. But - right now I am sitting outside with my laptop, I've been taking my books outside as well, so I guess it's something of both worlds.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, it's really inspiring to hear how far you've come in two years! I get discouraged sometime after only three months of blogging. Thanks for reminding me that all hope is not lost! And I love your creativity. During school when it's nice outside I am forever writing papers and doing reading in the great outdoors just so I can feel somewhat connected to nature. Thanks for sharing, Hanna!
DeleteI loved reading this and it's interesting that I was just thinking about the second point in the list. The month of June will be quite busy for me, mainly because I'll be dealing with 22 high schoolers and trying to teach them how to build a robot. (Pray for me!) All while taking courses and working on my project for my Master's degree. And I want to put all my focus towards these things because they are quite important. While I don't think I can disconnect for the entire 4 weeks, usage will definitely be limited.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. Very inspiring and interesting.
Wow that sounds crazy! Summer will definitely be a whirlwind for you. Try and add some fun in there every once and a while!
DeleteThanks for this post! Summer break is about a week away for me and I really haven't thought about it at all! So many things have been happening, but I love coming across blog posts that help me stop and realize, I need to take a break sometimes and think. I only have about a month of vacation before I make a huge move across the world. I want to fully enjoy the month that I have doing the things I want to do: exploring my local surroundings, finish reading two books, and practice more photography while having to study for the GRE and blogging.
ReplyDeleteYour summer sounds like it will be filled to the brim! I'm glad my post could help you even in a small way!
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