"Where did the time go?"
I've thought it and I'll bet you have too. And doesn't it just seem like summer flies past so much faster than winter does? :-) Of course that's perception. And perception can be shifted.
How would you like your summers to linger on and on? They can, of course, at least in the privacy of your own mind. The trick is simple and extremely inexpensive.
Ready to create your own endless summer?
It isn't really the passing of time that bothers us, you know. After all, aren't we eager for time to hurry up before an event we're excited about? Of course! People even get antsy waiting for retirement -- which if you think about it blows the whole "upset about the passing of time" conversation right out of the water.
It isn't really the passing of time that's the problem. It's the feeling that the time hasn't been used to its fullest advantage.
So let's get our brain cells clicking and use this summer well!
How about this. Even up here in the Northland, we've got 3 months of good weather left. Plenty of time for a couple cool projects. With plenty of time left over for play!
Let's put our heads together and think of a few simple summer projects. Nothing too strenuous, unless you're really committed. What I'm envisioning is a short list of simple ideas that will allow you to, come October, look back on the summer with satisfaction and pride that you used your time well.
I'll start. And I sincerely hope you'll chime in and add your comments and ideas to the list!
- Plant herbs in pots. Basil, cilantro, and dill are all easy-growing annual herbs you can put in now and use in your summer cooking. Anyone like the taste of home-grown herbs? Yummm!
- If you've got the space, create or re-purpose a small garden bed (preferably close to your kitchen) where you can put in a dedicated herb garden for next season. That way, you can include some perennials if you want.
- Take a good look at your front door; the main door people use when they come to your place. What tweak or two could you make to have it be more inviting? (Creating good chi, you know!) It could be anything from new house numbers to flowers in pots to a hanging craft item, depending on your living situation.
- Pretend you're taking a visitor around your outside yard for the first time. Even if you live in an apartment, do this anyway just for kicks. What have you been overlooking that could benefit from a little extra attention? You'd be surprised what a few minutes of weeding can do!
- If you live in a neighborhood that has trees, prepare now to snag fallen leaves in the fall. One of the most common comments among new gardeners in the spring is "I'd like to add compost to my garden, but I don't have any." Leaf compost is free. All it requires is a little dedicated corner and some prior planning. Find the corner now, stick some stakes in the ground, and run a little piece of fence around it. Doesn't have to be much. When fall comes, you'll be ready.
Ok. That's a few ideas to get you started. You have more, don't you? Jot them down. Then -- and this is the critical piece -- take a look at your summer planner and figure out where you can squeeze in a project or two. Schedule them in. Make 2007 the summer you DID _____________.
P.S. Don't even think about telling yourself you're too busy for at least one summer spruce-up. The good chi you'll create by caring for your environment will pay back rich rewards. Learn more in Landscape With Spirit: Connecting What's Around You With How You Feel.
Elizabeth Eckert can help you explore how simple everyday choices create health — or undermine even the best of intentions. With a background that ranges from energy medicine to structural bodywork to developmental psychology, this "Stick-To-It Coach" has the experience to support you in creating the healthiest possible expression of — you!
Take our free Less Stress; More Time mini-course!
