Summertime always seems to offer endless possibilities. Just think: at least two whole months of sunshine, warm weather, long days, and no school. It's kind of mind-boggling to imagine all that a girl could do in that amount of time. But it's also super exciting to think about!! Hmmm...what COULD I do this summer??
Making a summer bucket list is a great way to organize those "what if this summer I...." thoughts.
Why should I make a summer bucket list?
There are actually a lot of reasons.
~It helps get those creative-juices flowing. (And who doesn't love flowing creative juices?)
~It helps put those great ideas into action. (Just hang it somewhere in you're room where you'll see it often, and it will inspire you a lot this summer to get out there and fulfill your summer dreams!)
~It helps set goals. (That way, you won't reach the end of the summer and think "What on Earth did I waste all my time on these past three months?")
~It's FUN. (A summer bucket list is pretty much made to have some wacky, get-out-there-and-enjoy-yourself items on it, and those are things brighten up your summer and make sure you have a great time.)
Now your question should be, Why shouldn't I make a summer bucket list?.
So let's look at some tips on making your own summer bucket list!! One thought, first, before we begin. When making a summer buckets list, we need to keep our ultimate goals in mind. Out ultimate goals should not be to have fun, do wacky things with friends, or go to the beach. We need to make sure that are ultimate goals are God-centered and for His glory alone. Basically, out ultimate goals should not be whatever we write on your summer bucket lists, or any bucket list for that matter. Though those things are fun and exciting to dream about, they should not control out lives. Of course, there's nothing wrong with dreaming about them or trying to fulfill them. Just as long as they don't take top priority.
That said, let's get started! :D
Actually making a bucket list is basically as easy as it gets. Just grab a piece of paper (lined notebook paper, plain white paper, colored card-stock, decorative paper) and your favorite writing utensils (my favorites are a large variety of colored pens, especially Sharpies and Pilot pens). Then get to work! Be creative, and have some fun. Here are some tips for items you should be sure to add to your bucket list:
1. Health
Add something you know you should be doing to stay healthy/something you would like to start doing more. It should be a reachable goal. How about drink more water this summer? Or for something more specific, buy yourself a cute new water bottle and make it your goal to drink the whole thing twice every day. Other health goals could be eat more vegetables, have fruit with your breakfast, or limit candy to once a week only. If you're going to pick something exercise related, try to go for something doable. What about jog for fifteen minutes every other day? Or attend a zumba class? Putting something health-related on your bucket list will help improve your daily lifestyle and your body. Plus, can't you already imagine that feeling of victory when you actually do it??
2. Beauty
This one is more just for fun. What if you tried one new hairstyle every week? Or committed to becoming a master of some of those complicated makeup techniques? Another fun idea is why not have a beauty party? Invite some friends of this summer to try new hairstyles, paint nails, or test out that face mask recipe you saw on Pinterest.
3. Learning
A great goal to have this summer is to work on remembering all that information you put so much work into learning this past school year. Not MORE school!! you might be thinking. But this can actually turn out to be one of the most fun items on your bucket list. Ideas for adding something in this topic? Pick a subject you're interested in (astronomy? psychology? history?), find a book on it at the library, and make it your goal to read it this summer. Add going to a zoo to your bucket list, and while you're there you can focus on learning about the different animals and about their life styles. If you're going on vacation, research the history of the place you're visiting to find out about what cool events happened there. Think up ideas for a fun and creative way to keep learning this summer, and add them to your bucket list!!
4. Something new
Try something you've never tried before. Never ice skated? Never tried Indian food? Never been kayaking? Even if you're not the adventurous type, this is a great thing to add to your bucket list because it adds a little challenge and excitement to your summer. It doesn't have to be a hard or scary thing, either. You can add something easy and cost free, such as star gaze in your backyard or invent your own recipe.
5. Something you've always wanted to do
Now is as good a time as any to master that new bike trick. How about that complicated French recipe you've been eyeing? Have you always wanted to keep a journal, but you've never had the time? Add at least one of those things to your bucket list, and then do it this summer! You'll be so glad you finally got around to it.
6. Serve
Volunteering at your church's VBS (Vacation Bible School, which most churches have) is a wonderful way to do this. Cleaning out your room and donating your old clothes and toys is another great option. Or you could come up with your own specific idea, such as babysitting once a week for that single mom you know or asking that older couple at church if they need help with yard work. Something simple, such as baking cookies for a sick friend, works just as well, too. Basically, serve someone for Jesus this summer! It's a great way to spend your time.
7. Something with friends
Host a party, organize a prayer group, invite a friend over for a sleepover, or attend a sporting even together. You can do something with a large group of friends or with just one. Whatever you choose, make sure you add your friends to your summer bucket list.
8. Something with family
Some girls spend their summer trying to find ways to avoid spending time with family because suddenly they're at home all day instead of at school, But God gave you your family for a reason, so jot them down on your bucket list, too. Watch a movie you know he'll love with your brother, plan a scavenger hunt for your younger siblings, or plan a coffee date with your mom.
9. Most importantly, something for God
Do you have a specific time each day to meet with God, read the Bible, and pray? If you don't, add finding a specific time to your bucket list, then do it! What about starting a prayer journal/notebook? When I started my prayer journal, I found some tutorials here, here, and here. Another GREAT idea is to start memorizing God's Word. One super helpful guide, is to buy the Navigator's Topical Memory System. I highly encourage checking it out! Be sure to add God to your summer bucket list, however you chose to do that. He's what matters most!!
Elena♥
~
Hope you enjoyed these ideas on starting your own summer bucket list! Do you have any tips on making a summer bucket list? Or have you made your own? We would love to see it! Please email is at inspiredtobloom16@gmail.com. Also, Zoë and I each made our own summer bucket lists, and if you'd like to see those, check them out on our Instagram and Facebook pages!!
No comments:
Post a Comment