Have Something to Tell (Summer Activities ― Part 1)
“Stop wasting your time looking for the key to happiness… the door is open and unlocked… just walk through it.” ― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You
How to waste this summer:
Spend your days staring at the screen
Don’t try anything new
Stay locked at home and worry that the season will end
Sound familiar? You certainly didn't wait all this time just to feel bored and miserable for two months straight. So, here are my suggestions for interesting hobbies you can start right now to make this summer unforgettable.
Feel the music
A while ago, I wanted to start something completely new. So, I decided to fulfill a long-held wish ― playing an instrument.
Trust me, I'm the kind of person who would mistake a piano for a violin, but I dove right in. I bought a ukulele from AliExpress and started playing immediately. Now, I know several songs and I'm planning to steal the show at the next holiday.
Cut your parents’ excuses
Have a dream of going somewhere? A journey to the beach or out in the mountains?
Then make it.
Believe me, your parents are busy with work and thinking about the family. They really don't have the time to plan a trip.
But you do. Help them out and organize the journey. Consider the destination, the cost, the travel time, and what you'll see there. Plus, you'll be in control – no more boring rocks when you want to swim in the sea!
Get local
Plan a local outing – summer cinemas, concerts, plays, festivals, and anything of that sort. You'll be surprised by the opportunities you'll encounter.
I live in a small town, with a little over 100 000 people. Yet, last month I attended three festivals (all of which lasted for several days), one theater play, and a masterful art exhibition. And I had never been to any of those things before.
Now I plan events 1-2 months in advance. We used to be the kind of family who would say we loved theaters but had never been to one. Not anymore, and my parents are grateful for that.
Master a game
Just hear me out – I know it may sound unproductive. But note that I'm not saying "play games". Master games.
Pick one – something more challenging, like a strategic online game with other players. Then start digging in: learn the rules, watch tutorials, read about different strategies, and implement everything right away.
Be that military general, skilled diplomat, or brilliant chess player, and beat the game.
Be creative
Learn or master a creative hobby. Some ideas include:
Painting/drawing
Digital design
Photography/videography
Digital editing
Writing
Cooking
Or search for others online. Watch tutorials and follow-alongs, and start practicing from day one.
Have fun, and who knows? Maybe you've just discovered your next obsession.
Uncover new worlds
Yeah, the good old reading… But before I lose you here, we need to define some things: don't read for the teacher, don't read for a presentation, and don't read for a school project.
Read for yourself. Just try it out, and then you can jump to conclusions.
Go to the library or online and pick a book from a category that sparks your interest. If you don't know where to start, the easiest approach is to search for top books on a certain topic (like top romance books or top books about personal finance, if you want to start with nonfiction).
Don't overthink it – set a time to read each day and enjoy the process.
Takeaway ideas:
Learn to play an instrument
Organise a trip
Plan outings
Master a game
Learn a creative hobby
Read
Subscribe to stay updated about the next parts of this article, each focusing on different topics (spoiler: next week it will be about exploring and growing your circle of competence). Make sure you don't miss it. Take action into your own hands and have an interesting summer!
Write down if you want a breakdown on any idea – anything you need.
Q: “Which of these hobbies will you pick up this summer?” – let me know in the comments!