Sadie Says - Spring into Summer

Summer is on the horizon, and endless anticipation is mounting in the air as the semester comes to a close in a few weeks.

As someone who puts high expectations on every aspect of their life, summer is no different; however, every year, I am met with some disappointment or regret over an activity I wasn’t able to do, or an event I wasn’t able to cross off my bucket list.

That’s why, this summer, I am determined to make an attainable, yet incredibly fun, time for myself. Being a collegiate athlete and an individual with multiple jobs, it will definitely be a lot to juggle, but I am anxiously awaiting summer’s return (and the end of seasonal depression).

So, in advance of the best season of the year, here are my goals, tips, and tricks, for how to make it the most rewarding summer ever.

(Keep in mind, this will look different for everyone. No matter what, we’re looking to fill our cups this summer and stay hungry for new opportunities! Do what makes you happy.)

#1: Take time to enjoy the outdoors.

Living in the Chicago suburbs, it’s not like I am surrounded by mountains, bluffs, or even hills – it is basically as flat as can be.

However, that is not at all a bad thing! There are plenty of other natural wonders that offer plenty of opportunities for engaging with the outdoors.

I often feel that I can take even more advantage of the apparent beauty that is widely prevalent in summer than I already do.

Sure, I go on runs or bike rides, take walks, and lay out; however, I aim to spend more intentional time outdoors in new ways these upcoming months.

Minnesota has definitely expanded my borders in terms of hiking and such; however, there’s only so much the Midwest can offer.

Hiking in Minnesota!

So, I plan on traveling both nationally and internationally this summer, chasing waterfalls, as TLC would say.

For example, Saint Mary’s women’s soccer is going on a trip to Costa Rica; what better place is there to appreciate all the wonders around me than somewhere with a vibrant culture, hot springs, volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, and more?

I cannot wait to take in these once-in-a-lifetime experiences with my own two eyes, embracing all that I can. Even a short hot girl walk and some Vitamin D every day will help me to accomplish this goal of mine!

#2: Balance both the fun and the not-so-fun.

As a collegiate-student athlete, summer is of the utmost importance in terms of earning money.

For example, this past summer, I worked two jobs – first, being a pool server at a local country club, and second, being both a hostess and a server’s assistant at an upscale restaurant.

The typical view of a hostess

Juggling these two roles definitely helped improve my time management and realize what truly mattered to me – were activities significant enough to take time off of work to do, or would the extra money be more beneficial?

I knew I didn’t want to be sitting around all summer, but I also acknowledge the importance of downtime. For me, laying out in the sun and reading a good book is a good time, and that is necessary for my wellbeing, just as much as making money is.

Therefore, I urge you all to remember that you must balance work and play during the summer.

I’m not saying you should be a total workaholic or a total party animal; instead, finding a happy medium in which you can both work on yourself and earn some money, while still spending time with the people who bring you joy, is the best option.

For me, I can also how up for myself in terms of soccer by waking up early and putting the work in, and doing the appropriate summer training pays off hugely.

Doing all these things is no easy feat, but it is a testament to how much I love everything I am involved in, and that I am willing to expend energy towards.

#3: Stay off my phone.

In an increasingly digital age, it is so incredibly easy to get sucked into technology at every twist and turn (New York Times games, anyone?).

The cultural phenomenon sweeping the nation

This doesn’t mean that your phone, computer, tablet, or smartwatch should control your summer.

I don’t anticipate this being a simple task – knowing that I will be separated from my college friends will surely be difficult, and I will want to stay connected with them 24/7.

But, I know that I owe it to myself to devote my precious time towards other things, whether that be my family, friends, reading, soccer workouts, running, or work.

Using my phone every once in a while and catching up with friends isn’t bad or looked down upon. However, I want to truly soak in everything around me, especially after living away from home for two semesters.

I hope that in staying off my phone, I find the time to invest in other hobbies and projects, knowing that I am improving myself and making myself happy in the smallest of ways, not relying on technology.

#4: Leave your comfort zone behind.

Most people I know say that they feel like the best version of themselves during summer, whether that be because they’re tan, they have more time for themselves, or the weather is warmer and they are therefore happier.

Whatever the reason, I think this is a perfect example of why everyone should attempt to leave their comfort zones behind in this season.

Individuals tend to be more confident and self-assured in summer; therefore, why not try something new?

Especially because we all have more time on our hands, I think it could be fun to attempt a new hobby or have something all to yourself, no matter if it’s crocheting, playing the piano, playing pickleball, or learning a new language.

It’s not the time to be scared or hesitant; there is enough time for that during the school year or the winter months.

If you truly want to be the best version of yourself, shed your worries and embrace the unknown.

Spring into summer –

And what better way to do that than with these solid goals of mine? I urge you to reflect on what you want your summer to look like. And in my opinion, making it reasonable, yet fun-filled, is the only way to go – managing your expectations will pay off in the end.

All smiles this summer!