Photo: One in a Million
My boys have summer journals, and they’re writing every few days to keep their skills sharp for the 2nd and 4th grades. I’ve been writing along with them, because I want to show them I’m not afraid of a little summer work, and well, because, writing makes me happy, and it helps me process all of life’s twists and turns. And that’s sort of what I wrote about today in my black and white composition book — getting through the ups and downs, and cutting down on stress.
My essay turned out to be a list, and here are 12 of my ideas for finding peace. Might want to try a few if you’re searching for a little calm.
- Do you have a front porch? Sit on it, especially if there’s a nice evening breeze blowing by.
- Read old letters of recommendation (make sure they’re good ones!).
- Steal a hug from someone you love. Hold on for minutes, not seconds.
- Make a wish list, and don’t worry about the price of anything.
- Find a few quotes that move you, and write them down.
- Read a story about someone less fortunate than you, and count your blessings.
- Remember your own less-fortunate moments, and appreciate where you are now.
- Visualize memorable days, like the days your babies were born.
- Look at old photos.
- Look at old yearbooks.
- Burn a yummy candle.
- Consider everything that happens (good and bad) an adventure that you’ll look back on as a memory — maybe a funny one, maybe not, but a memory nonetheless.
- Reader Lauren says: Looking at yearbooks is always fun! I personally love taking a walk around a nearby pond or driving around aimlessly.
- Reader Tracey says: turn on the music loud and dance with your kids.
Gosh, it’s hard to stop at just 12.
Would love to hear your ideas — if you share, I’ll add them to my list.
