“Summertime and the livin’ is easy. Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high…” goes the song.
Summertime is for me:
Reading a novel while sitting by Lithia Creek,
Feeling the coolness as I walk barefoot in the grass,
Drinking iced cold sweet coffee,
And sprawling on the lawn and watching the clouds sail past.
The summer seems to sail by so quickly. This year I am using my favorite technique to help me slow down and appreciate “these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer”.
“Stop, Look and Listen.”
For example, while I am on a walk in Lithia Park, I may…
Stop and look around and notice five new things: colors, objects, or plants.
Listen and identify five sounds.
Feel the moment and record it in my mind.
When we concentrate on an experience for more than 12 seconds we connect it in our longer-term memory bank. This helps us to cherish these moments and remember them. Keeping a simple log of our favorite experiences installs them even more deeply.
I am also creating my summer wish list. Mine includes: (but is not limited to)
A scenic helicopter ride (who knows maybe it will happen)
Ride on the restarted Medford to Dunsmuir freight train
River rafting on the Rogue
Camping under the stars
Bicycling around Crater Lake on car free days in September
Whatever your favorite summer activity—remember to savor it.
Your optimism challenge:
Create your own summer wish list. What would you love to do this summer? The act of creating a wish list gets you one step closer to making it a reality.
I’d love to hear how you plan to have your best summer ever. Share your feedback, questions or comments at healthyoptimism.com/contact.
