Summer Fun
Baseball, backyard bar-b-ques, fireworks, and hot days at the local pool – summer in the USA! Iconic in media and childhood memories, they evoke thoughts of laughter and fun. But too often as adults, the experience doesn’t live up to our expectations. We are stressed out about making sure everyone has all the equipment, supplies, and food to ensure we “have a good time”. We are wrangling kids and pets, making sure we get there on time and haven’t forgotten anything, keeping things moving smoothly. We take photo-shoot quality pictures for Facebook and Instagram, do funny video clips for TikTok, trying to make perfect memories.
But what if Instagram worthy moments don’t lead to joy?
What if trying to get that perfectly framed photo op or making sure everyone has their favorite food or lucky socks leads to stress rather than happiness – for you and your loved ones? Joy comes from connecting with people over shared experiences, not from things. Learning to be joyful means letting go of the judgement that everything has to be perfect. Forgetting to pack the lucky bat for the softball game can become a teaching moment that talent lies within the person, not the equipment. The bag of potato chips that got crushed in the car on the way to the cookout can turn into laughter making edible art out of the crumbs (and a great excuse to play with your food and lick your fingers!). Sunshine too bright to see your phone screen can turn into family memories of cannonball splash contests at the pool.
Keeping small things small leaves space for joy. By focusing on the people and activities, instead of the things, we calm the nervous system. When things do happen (as they inevitably will), remembering to stay calm will help keep negative emotions at bay, help find alternatives, and making connecting with family easier because no one is yelling or blaming. As adults, we often think we need to have all the answers, but kids can access creativity that we have forgotten we have. What game can they make up to create fun when things don’t go as planned? Those games will be the memories of their childhood and the stories your family laughs about for years to come – creating joy not only in the moment but in the future.
What is your favorite summertime activity - and how will you bring joy to the forefront this summer when participating?
Pillar: Meaningful Connections
Value: Family
Micro-habit: focusing on what’s important
