Daisies and Bruises

With school out and this being a long weekend here in Canada, summer has truly arrived! Yay!

The past few summers have flown by for me. It’s like I have this idea that summer fun will find me on its own, but before I know it the leaves are changing colour again and I’m shocked.

So this summer is going to be different because I’m going to make it different. Having depression means that it’s harder for me to have fun than it is for other people, but I believe if I plan it out I can make it happen.

During these last days of June I’ve been writing a mini list of things to start doing for July. It’s great to start fresh at the beginning of a new month. If I start now, maybe my life won’t feel as shaken up when my therapist goes on vacation halfway through the month.

Summer in my life has always meant being outdoors, even when it feels “too hot.” As a kid I would cool down in summer by swimming, eating popsicles, and hanging out in the shade. So this summer, I’m going to try to spend at least an hour outside every day.

I do already spend an hour outside every day but it’s spent walking from one place to the next, stressing about life and not taking in the weather. So, to be more specific I’m going to say that I need to spend an hour outside every day with my butt parked in the grass or on my bicycle for a leisurely ride. The breeze generated by flying downhill on my bike does wonders to cool me off, too!

A simple way of making summer last longer is to not sleep in so late. I have a bad habit of making my days “easier” by being awake for less hours than most people, but it really isn’t a healthy thing for me to do. Plus, it’s cooler outside in the mornings, so I can reach my goal of spending more time outdoors if I get up earlier.

I usually feel good about my day if I get some writing done, whether it’s a blog post entry or writing in my journal or writing snail mail, so I’m going to try to work that into my days as well this month.

These things don’t sound too hard but on my bad days I know I’m going to say “Screw it” so easily. I’m thinking of pairing these goals together with other things I enjoy doing. Like I could get a drink at Starbucks before sitting outside for an hour, to make it feel like even more of a treat, at least until I get into the swing of things.

What about you? What makes a good summer in your life?

Do you have any tips on how to combat the days where we all want to say, “Screw it” and pull the covers over our heads?

Share your answers in the comments, maybe we can find a way to outsmart our excuses and let the sun shine in.