Jump into Your Creativity this June.

Ah, June! Does it have you looking forward to transitioning from the routine of the school year to the carefree days of summer? Or, are the days of summer more of a challenge than a blessing with chaos from an overbooked schedule leaving you feeling anything but carefree. Instead longing for the reassurance of resuming a reliable schedule in September, let’s take advantage of this temporary freedom to create our own schedule.  Fill it with the magic of summer’s delights:   planting a colorful flowerbed/flower pot next to your front door; a weekday afternoon getting your feet wet at the beach (or park) when you can practically have the whole place to yourself; watching the 4^th of July fireworks curled up on a comfortable blanket; taking a class to try your hand at a new skill, or enjoying the beautiful outdoors by taking in any number of concerts, festivals, or street fairs.

While there is a sense of security and a feeling of calm always knowing what to expect, it is good to shake things up once in a while. It gives us a chance to appreciate how good we have it when life is going along smoothly. My breast cancer diagnosis eight years ago really shook me up and made me step back and evaluate my life. I realized how much I could do to encourage my healing process with Creative activities.  Doing hands-on activities:  writing, planting flowers, painting a canvas, stenciling a wall, stamping a card, walking in nature, and even expanding my culinary abilities have all contributed to my well-being.

Summer is an excellent opportunity to expose your Wild side and become a little bit daring while not going over the edge. Try a new potato salad recipe, or bring mini Bundt cakes instead of brownies to the family picnic, visit a new exhibit at your favorite museum, attend your local Pumpkin/Garlic/Strawberry Festival, or indulge in an Ice Cream Sundae following the high school band concert.  I am especially looking forward to going to the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival in Golden Gate Park.

I wish you an absolutely delicious once-in-a-lifetime summer experience on your path to living a Simple Abundant Life.

Be well,

Mary