Vacationing and warm weather aside, summer is a time of year that almost everyone enjoys. But if you’ve started a new job or have just started your own business and cannot take a week-long vacation this year, here are five maybe not-so-ordinary ways to enjoy the wonderful weather anyway.
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Take an afternoon to just be. I frequently talk about one hour of solitude, how about an entire afternoon (or morning)? Sometimes we pack too much into our weekends when we know we won’t have time off. But it really is the time off you’re craving – so take it! Sit in the sun, read a non-business book, take a nap - whatever floats your boat. Your work-week productivity will go up; try it and see!
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Open the windows and clean the house. This is not just for the Type A’s and clutter-control-aholics out there. It will be easier to rest and relax on your days off if the house is clean, dust- and clutter-free. Trust me – this works! If you need more convincing, read Clutter Around You Creates Clutter in Your Brain, or Want Less Stress? What often works for me is to open the windows and clean the house in the morning, that way the air is still cool. Then I take my time off in the afternoon.
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Spend an afternoon with good friends. I took Monday afternoon off and spent it with two of my best friends. We were supposed to hang out by the pool, but the weather did not cooperate. We were able to grill out, share some great food, interesting conversation, and fun times. It was relaxed and casual. Sometimes when we think of having people over, we think it has to be a big ordeal, but it doesn’t. Just friends hanging out – kind of like we did in college – remember those days?
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Create your own motivational seminar. You know all those motivational books you’ve been longing to read? What about the ones you said you would read for a second time? Pretend you’re going to a half-day workshop – at home. Discipline yourself to sit for three to four hours, getting up only to stretch and go to the bathroom, and read that motivational book. Imagine that the author is speaking to you and take notes. It’s even better if can get outside in the shade, with some sweet tea! If I’m going through the book for a second time, I like to create a “highlights” outline. Then I can quickly refer to my outline anytime I want to remember the true highlights of the book.
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Host a “Come as you will be” party. If you have the time, space, and money, it’s always fun to throw a party. This concept is from Jack Canfield’s book, The Success Principles, and the invitation reads:
Come as you will be . . . in 2013! [Pick a date about 5 years into the future.] Join us for a celebration that will stretch your imagination and catapult you into your own future. [Give party details: When, Where, Given by, RSVP to, etc. Then explain further:]
Arrive as who you will be 5 years from now. Dress in your very best. Speak only in the present tense the entire evening, as if it were already 2013, all your goals have been achieved, and all your dreams have already come true. You will be videotaped as you arrive. Bring props to show everyone what you have achieved in the years between, such as best-selling books you’ve written, magazine covers you’ve been on, awards you’ve won, and photographs or scrapbooks of your achievements. Throughout the evening, you will have the opportunity to applaud others in their achievements and to receive congratulations.
Can you imagine attending something like that?
Make it a great summer—
Until next time,
Live Joyfully!
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Posted under Inspiration, Motivation
This post was written by Debra Moorhead, The Decision Diva on July 2, 2008
