I can feel it coming!  Can you?

Days are getting longer and spring rains are bringing life support for the flora and fauna.  The chill gives way to warm breezes.  And, if you live anywhere near here, a yellowy film covers every outdoor surface.

One of my favorite signs of the coming season, though, is the green grass and creative, ardent gardeners prepping their plot of earth for summer beauty.  Life bursts on the scene after the dead of winter.

Summer is a unique time for me. 

I look forward to it.  I think I still have a schoolgirl’s mindset.  After all, with homeschoolers in the house, I live to the special rhythm of the school year clock.

Days, weeks, months.  Semesters and curriculum.

Books completed and boxes checked off.

And here we are.  We are not year-round homeschoolers.  I definitely need the summer break!  Summer break is mainly for me and my sanity!  I know my kids would rebel if I even thought about year-round schooling, though.

I need the leisurely mornings and unhurried schedules.  But as much as I love lazy days by the pool, I start to get antsy about a month in.  There is only so much laundry, straightening and organizing a soul can do before losing her mind!  I start to slowly morph into a discontented, unhappy woman.

I lose all perspective and basically, I get bored with my life! I don’t know how to cope with all the down time.  Crazy, I know.

So, I have made a plan for my summer.  I decided to be proactive this summer and save us all from my mid-life crisis.  I figure this is a great way to recharge my creative and intellectual self.   I am calling it the Creative Summer Immersive—CSI.  (Well, I just decided to call it that since I’m writing my blog post about it and it needs to sound official.)

In a nutshell, I am going to immerse myself in a summer of creativity that will stretch and grow me.  Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

I’m rather pleased with myself.  Here is my plan:

1.  Find 2-3 artistic/creative projects where I can learn a new artistic skill. (Probably going to hit up Pinterest.)
2. Continue studying about and working on my writing. (I have a membership to a training/mentoring group I will continue working with.)
3. Explore enrolling in a free online university class (MOOC) and learn something new and interesting. (Going to check out mooc-list.com.)
4. Explore drawing techniques I want to learn. (I will probably purchase books on drawing flowers.)
5. Read enriching and enjoyable novels and non-fiction.  (Of course, the library is one of my very favorite places.)

So, there you have it.  Not overly complicated or grueling.  But, it does allow me to grow and thrive.  Can’t really ask for much more that that!

Here’s the deal.  I am going to be full of grace towards myself.  If I don’t hit everyone of these goals, or maybe focus and become immersed in just one particular goal, then so be it.  My thoughts for this are to give myself a plan to work from.

If you don’t aim for something, you’ll hit it.  

Anyway, I’m sharing this with you for a simple reason.

Summer is a great time to explore and try something new.

I realize not everyone’s schedule reflects mine.  In fact, summertime may not really mean anything new or different for your world.  But, you can’t help but notice the new life and fresh growth all around you.  Nature shouts out the beauty of new creation.  It’s everywhere.

So, why not challenge yourself to try something new, learn a new hobby, or take up something you’ve always wanted to do.  Make this a summer of dedication to your well-being.  You never know what you just might find out about yourself.

Maybe your need isn’t even about creativity.

Maybe it is taking the time to broaden your world and practice a new service to others.

Maybe there is something innovative you can do for your neighborhood.  What does this look like for you?

Maybe you need to purposefully enlarge your circle of friends this summer.  Live it up!

Maybe there is some learning you have put off for another time.  Go do it!

Just imagine how much richer your life will be by the time summer is winding down.  Maybe, just maybe, it won’t be wasted.

 

We all want richer,

fuller

and

more meaningful lives in this world gone mad.

What are you going to do with this one beautiful life you have been given?

For this, it doesn’t have to be super spiritual, mega-watted or compare to mine or any other’s summer.

You do you! 

Just set a goal and be intentional.

In other words, number your days.  Give meaning and purpose to each day.

 

   “So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom.”  Psalm 90:12

I am excited.  Perhaps it won’t all go as planned.  This is not a problem.  I am just excited to see what I can find out about myself.  Who’s gonna join me?

 

Here’s your assignment for this week.  Start thinking about some new insights, hobbies or endeavors you might be interested in.

How do you want to grow in the three months of summer?  Write it down.

Research how to move forward towards these new projects.

Hit the ground running as soon as your schedule allows you to do so–if it is sooner that June, go for it!

I want to hear what you are planning.  I will give periodic updates on my summer adventure.  I want updates from you, too.  Let’s help each other.  Pull up a chair and let’s chat….comment below!