There are a few things that I really want to pursue this summer on my way to recreating myself. I’m not necessarily saying that I dislike the person that I am, but I do think that I have so much room for growth and improvement. I want to start living a healthier and happier lifestyle and I’m positive that that involves the following things that I am going to list:
1.) First and foremost, I spend way too much time on my computer browsing the internet. Everyone jokes about how tumblr is the reason for procrastination…etc, but it’s absolutely true. Ever since I got my laptop sophomore year, my grades became harder to maintain and definitely lowered beneath my potential. In addition, my attention span has gotten significantly shorter, and I’ll admit, it’s an addiction (I watched 17 episodes of Arrested Development in ONE DAY today and yet here I am still typing out this text post on tumblr in the hopes that articulating my addiction will help me to break free from it). This summer, my goal is to lessen my dependence on all technology and only check social media sites once… okay twice a day. I’m confident that this will help me find much more productive things to do with my time and increase my self esteem…etc.
2.) The second thing that I want to do this summer is re-explore my creative outlets that I’ve endeavored to explore in the past, but more seriously. I love photography and drawing, and whenever I force myself to find the time for these things I find myself in an extremely positive and happy mood. It’s time to whip out my old film cameras and sketch pads. There’s just an unexplainable joy that comes with creating something that you find to be beautiful, and that you can be proud of.
3.) I need to spend more time connecting myself spiritually with the world around me. Last summer, a reading requirement for my english class was “Siddhartha” by Herman Hesse. That book quite possibly taught me more things than thirteen years at a Catholic school could have ever taught me. I’ve always felt a strong connection to Buddhism because it emphasizes personal enlightenment, a personal journey towards understanding the world around you and what your presence in this universe means. My senior Kairos this year finally helped me articulate what I had always felt about my spirituality. I never connected with the idea of “religion” that had been instilled in me from the day I could walk, but I had always felt the power of love in my life and I KNEW that that was the one thing I could never doubt. Love is the bond that unites us all, love is my “god” or whatever term you choose to use. I’m getting a bit off topic, but what I’m trying to say is that I want to start looking into Buddhism a little further and try some meditation now that I’m on summer break. I’m hoping that this helps me feel a stronger connection to nature, my relationships with others, and my emotional (inner) self.
4.) The last thing that I want to accomplish this summer is an exercise regime. I’m not going to lie, this is going to be extremely difficult for me. I’m quite possibly the laziest person on this entire planet. Ever since I quit volleyball to audition for the play last year, I’ve become so unmotivated and will do almost anything to talk myself out of a situation that requires exercise. I realize that this is DEFINITELY affecting my physical health, but also my emotional health. I’m the type of person who internalizes stress rather than releasing it, and this can be extremely dangerous if I don’t exercise regularly to relieve my tension. I’m thinking about a yoga class or gym membership.
Well, this is my summer list to obtain a happier, healthier, more motivated, more spiritually connected, and more aware “me”. Let’s pray that I have the courage and endurance to follow through with these goals for myself.
