Monday, June 13, 2011

How To Avoid Boredom This Summer & Spend Time Wisely


Have you ever gone to sleep one early June night, looking forward to all the possibilities that the summer could bring—only to wake up one August morning, wondering what happened to the amazing summer that you had planned? So have I. It’s easy to allow the freedom that summer brings to cause us to become lazy and watch summer just pass by.

Instead of having the same thing happen again this year, I’ve decided to go ahead and take action with what I’d like to pursue this summer. No, I’m not talking about hanging out at the pool with my friends and watching chick flicks until early morning. I’m talking about choosing to be productive rather than bored or lazy this summer by using my time wisely and creatively, while at the same time expanding my horizons.

For instance, instead of only focusing on my writing this summer, I’ve also decided to take ice skating lessons, study the art of acting and learn how to make journals. As teenagers we need to get our feet wet in many areas so we can find what it is that we're gifted in and have a passionate for. All of the things we take on eventually create who we are and can also be used as a form of worship.

Stretch yourself to your full potential this summer.
Take on different responsibilities and branch into various activities. Take a step out of your comfort zone to take risks and try things that you would normally never try. You may be surprised at what you discover about yourself. If you aren't sure where to begin, here are a few suggestions:
  • Learn to play the guitar.
  • Try out different forms of writing, such as short story writing, song lyric writing, poetry, etc.
  • Study the art of photography.
  • Make jewelry.
  • Learn to bake.
  • Take swimming classes.
  • Make scrapbooks.
  • Be more involved in your church and/or youth group.
  • Learn to sew.
  • Get a summer job.
  • Volunteer at homeless shelters, nursing homes, charity organizations, etc.
  • Learn how to make blog templates.
  • Read more books than you normally do.
Now that you have a few things in mind that you'd like to get started in this summer, how can you take action rather than just fantasize?
  1. Make a list of these things. It doesn't matter how long of a list you write or how far-fetched those things may be. You can’t achieve something without first having the idea. The more you can think of, the better.
  2. Put a star next to the ones that you would like to try out the most, or the activities that would involve more of your focus, such as volunteering.
  3. Prioritize. Do you have some school that you need to finish or work on this summer (like I do)? Be sure to focus on your priorities first and do these new things only in your spare time.
  4. Set goals. What are the things you’d like to spend most of your time pursuing, and how can you excel in that area? By setting goals you will give yourself something to strive towards. Allow yourself some space to stretch to your full potential rather than be stuck in your comfort zone.
  5. Discipline yourself. Although these things may seem fun to do, think of them as something that must be done. Discipline yourself by setting aside a certain amount of time each day to focus on your goals. This can be great practice and useful so that you won’t waste the summer away.
Since summer could be classified as the “in between” stage (in between last school year and next school year), I believe it’s the most perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year and pursue the things that you have always wanted to try, especially if you're a teenager. You have almost three months to venture out into various areas of art and different forms of physical exercise. To discover yourself, be creative, prepare for tomorrow, pursue new things and grow in your relationship with God. And no matter what new activity you envelop yourself in or whatever new responsibility that you commit to, be sure that you are doing it all for the glory of God. (1 Corin. 10:31)

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."
~Galatians 6:4-5


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Have you ever felt as if the summer ended before you were ever able to take advantage of it? What new things would you like to try out this summer that weren't mentioned in the above list? What actions have helped you in the past in achieving your goals rather than allowing yourself to become lazy?

7 comments:

  1. This post is so true. You might consider following up with something about not being afraid to try new things, how we have to step out to follow Christ wherever He leads us. I know fear keeps a lot of people from doing things.

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  2. Love this post! Something that has definitely been in my mind lately and on my heart. Something that's been helping me was memorizing The Message version of Ephesians 5:15-17. Definitely something to keep close.

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  3. This is a great post. I'll leave it at that :D

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  4. Krysta Denzer: That's actually a really good idea. There's a lot that could be mentioned on the topic of following where Christ leads, even if it is out of our comfort zones. Thanks for suggesting!

    Hannah: I'll have to take a look at that scripture. Thanks!

    Ellyn: Lol, thank you! =)

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  5. I've never really had a problem with being lazy in Summer, for me it's possibly crazier than the normal school year! Because I think I have all this time, when I really don't! So I can relate to the Summer passing by! Great post. Also, if you join 4-H your Summer should be jam packed, because it's a great way to fit in so many of the things you mentioned doing, because there is a deadline and motivation. Thanks Tessa!

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  6. Hey, Tessa ~
    Thanks for following my blog, Girlz of God! I just read this post, and really liked it. Oftentimes, summer does fly by fast. I plan on getting more in shape this summer, pursuing acting, working on my writing and photography as well as blog design, reading a lot, going to summer camp, and swimming. You're right - in doing new things, we can learn a lot, too, and have GREAT experiences and make new friends. Thanks for posting this!
    Talia
    p.s. What is your book, Purple Moon, about?

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  7. Hey Talia!

    I'd love to give you the log-line of Purple Moon, but for now I think it'd be best to wait until I post the book's back cover blurb and cover. However, I will tell you that it's a contemporary Christian fiction novel about a 16-year-old girl named Selena and will hopefully be the first in a series. =)

    Thanks for commenting!

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Thanks for stopping by my blog!