Have a Summer Fling

Posted on October 07, 2010 by Staci Rosenberg, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

http://www.apogeewellness.com/blog/index.php/category/life-coaching/

Friday, July 16th, 2010
by Staci Rosenberg, APOGEE Life Coach

Many of my life-coaching clients have a wish list that looks nothing like their to-do list. They wish they could spend more time with family and friends; wish they had more time for fun; wish they could develop a long-term, loving relationship.

But their calendar says work, work, work. Even their family time is all about chores.

My prescription: Have a summer fling! There is no time like summer to loosen up, expand your horizons and live the life you dream of. Whether you want to meet people, spend time with friends and family, exercise more or just relax and read a book or knit, now’s the time. But how?

1. Schedule a date for your fling.
If you find time to complete work projects, answer e-mails and stay current with TV shows, you have time for a summer fling. Take out your calendar and make an appointment with yourself or friends: Plan a walk before breakfast or after dinner; block out a Saturday morning for a hike or bike ride. Make your fling as important as an appointment with your boss or doctor.

2. Change something about yourself.
If your wishes aren’t coming true now, you need to change. If you always wear black, choose a color. If you always look serious, try smiling in public for a day or two or wear a silly t-shirt to your exercise class. If you never go to art shows, museums or concerts, now might be the time to start.

3. Take advantage of the summer warmth and light.
Just go outside! Once you’re out of the house, office or car, it’s easy to make an evening or afternoon—even your coffee break—special. You can sip a cup of tea or dine outside, plan a picnic in a park, walk to your destination instead of drive, or stroll your neighborhood until dusk. Slow down and experience the space you’re in.

4. Connect with people who are already having a summer fling.
It can be tough to invent a summer fling by yourself, so join one already in progress. Accept an invitation; attend a free outdoor concert, play or art opening; join a hiking or bicycling club—invite friends, your spouse or child. Try a Zumba class at APOGEE. Once you’re in a group, look around, join in and have fun.

Need inspiration? Follow the words of Henry David Thoreau , who wrote, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.”