You already know that planning for a fun time, makes it happen. These photos are from a night out to see the play, IN THE HEIGHTS in Hollywood. We even bought candy which we never do and dressed up, a little. We had a great time. Fantastic music and dancing....we were lifted!
You might have a long list of why not to plan:
• You will spend the money and not be able to go.
• You will be too tired.
• You aren't into it anymore.
You get to change your mind. Sell the tickets or give them as a gift. If you go and don't feel like seeing all of the play, you get to leave. No guilt.
Most parents I speak with want something special to look forward to, especially in the summer . Reach for something you dreamed of doing. You can handle the disappointment if it doesn't work out. You have handled worse situations. We simply forget we will be ok. We let a louder voice in us make all the decisions. Turn that loud part of you down and ask if anyone else inside of you has an opinion.
Making choices isn't punishment. You can course correct them and not feel over committed or trapped. Yes, it will be more time consuming and thinking outside the box. Would you rather have nothing on your calendar that is pure fun?
Plan something or ask someone else to do the planning this time. Fun lifts your spirits and turns up creativity. Get to know yourself in a new way. The activity will move you along and all you have to do is show up.
Have a chat with yourself about:
• Things you use to like to do that made you smile
• Things that are fun for you but you don't get around to planning
• People you want to see but don't call
• What type of get aways are fun for you?
• What do you like to do when you have free time, besides for watch tv in bed or run those errands?
• What stops you from making the plan?
• If you hate the driving, what public transportation is available?
• If you hate the crowds, how could you go at a more quiet time?
• What would you have to reduce during the week so you would have the energy to get out on the weekend for new fun?
• What grieving do you need to cry about, again?
• What stops you from making a fun plan?
I want to go to a Kareoke Bar but fear stops me to sing in front of people. My friend said she wants to go but fears being the old lady in the crowd and therefore, embarrassed. I wonder if I will this summer. What do you think you will plan this summer despite a little or big fear? A mom confessed she doesn't make plans in case her kids are available for a movie or dinner before they leave at the end of summer. Some parents have shared they don't have the energy right now; they don't have a friend to call or the finances. What would you suggest to them?
Make a plan this week and mark it on your calendar...just a little something fun to do.
Happy summer,
Natalie
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