Structure Sunday: The Structure of Summer

Do you ever feel that summer comes and goes too quickly ? If you take some time and think about how you would like your summer to be, you could prevent this from happening again. You might actually make a summer wish list. Just make sure the things on your list are SMART. That is: 

SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time bound.

I remember thinking of summer as a vast expanse of relaxation, without the structure of the school year. I do think it is wonderful to have time set aside for doing absolutely nothing. But that is not a good way to knock things off your list. 

Need ideas for your list ? 

Create a summer reading list which must have some fiction and non-fiction. Check your local bookstore, Amazon.com, or Audible.com. Check you local library or the New York Times Bestsellers list. Check the Newberry and Caldecott award winners online for children's books. Check for the Hugo and Nebula awards for the best in science fiction. 

Get out of doors with the family at least once per week. 

Keep a garden. You must grow something edible. 

Take a trip to the city. You must visit at least one museum. 

Take a trip to the countryside. You must visit one body of water. 

Make something, i.e. a table, or a pair of earrings. 

Learn something new, like French, gymnastics, or coding. 

Have friends over for dinner and board games. 

Summer is coming ! Don't miss it. 

Talking about the weather

Have you ever mentioned that the weather was dreary ? Well I did one day and haven't since. 

I said this in passing to a long time patient of mine. She, being older, wiser and a breast cancer survivor, gave me that look, and said simply, " Dr Nelson, ALL weather is good weather. ". Point taken. 

So when you consider the driving rain, flat grey clouds, or even the pounding sun, remember my patient's wisdom, and enjoy the weather for what it is. 

My daughter, when very small, had a peculiar habit. In the dead of winter, she would stand in the snow and say, " I wish I could feel the hot sun beating down on me ". In the summer, when it was hot, she would, I kid you not, say, " I wish I could roll in the snow." Finally I said to her, if you could love the cold in winter and the heat in summer, and not the other way around, you would be the happiest girl ever. 

And so I recommend this attitude to you. But as a doctor I would say the key to enjoying any and all weather is preparation. Chose your outings wisely. Dress in layers and carry plenty of water and sunscreen. Pack lots of healthy snacks to keep everyone happy. Summer is for adventure and fun, not stress and discomfort. And remember, all weather is good weather.