My goodness, it sure has been awhile. I've been so busy with my two condensed classes that I felt like I didn't have any time for what I loved. It was awful. So as you can imagine, I am just elated to have those done and out of the way. So now with all this free time, I am back to doing the things that make me happy including writing these little entries! So, expect me to be more active if you even pay attention to this site anymore haha. But for now, I thought I would update some of my pages on here as well as share what I have been doing to help me feel at peace and also productive!
Little update about me though, I now have my associates and I am transferring this coming fall semester! Going into college, I was extremely unsettled about my future and had hardly any motivation so I am very proud of myself and just had to share that. :)
Now, onto what I have loved doing with my new found free time!
Summer is one of my absolute favorite seasons along with Spring because of the beautiful sunshine and the way the world just buzzes with life. Because of that, some of these activities include going outside amazingly enough. However, when it gets far too hot (which it does way too much where I live), this is when I like to make myself nice and comfy inside with some of these other indoor activities too.
1. Make a BUNCH of tea
It's true and I will not apologize because my goodness do I have some wonderful recommendations for you. I think my favorite part of the day is when I can whip out my cute little mug and fill it up with something sweet. So, if you would like some recommendations, here are mine! If you want to make them extra yummy, I like to add milk and sugar to them too to give them more of a dessertiness ;)
Chamomile
Any will do, but my personal favorite is Twinings' Camomile, Honey & Vanilla tea. It's like cake as a drink. Personally, I love that part of it the most but my brother wasn't a fan of the vanilla. Oh well, take my word for it.
Paris
It's a carmel-y black tea that I tried for the first time around March and oh my gosh. Ooh la la indeed.
Black tea
My favorite substitute for coffee because it leaves your breath smelling like grass rather than... you know.
Twinings' "Nightly Calm"
This is a wonderful blend of chamomile, mint, and lemongrass. This is my favorite before bedtime :)
2. Do YouTube dance workouts
This is the most fun I have had by myself in who knows how long. I've never been much of a fan of the traditional gym and working out route, but if it involves dance, I'm all over it. Much to my delight, YouTube is flooded with these delightful dance workouts and I swear it makes me excited to be active. They don't exactly tone you like crazy, but they burn calories and get your heart rate up. They do enough so that you feel good about yourself, which is what matters in the long run anyway :)
3. Have a designated quiet time
This can involve anything you like to do. You can paint, draw, stretch, go on a walk, work on a puzzle, anything. My personal quiet time is generally the same everyday. It involves a cup of tea (of course), a bowl of berries (usually blueberries but sometimes I mix it up), and whatever book I am reading at the moment. I also have been finding joy in annotating my bible if I want to do that instead. This gives me a sense of peace and also something to put my focus into for a little bit.
Mostly what I encourage from this, is just to step away from the constant buzz for a little bit. Just take a breather, put your phone away for a little bit, and just get lost in what you love to do. It's the best way to re-center and refresh yourself.
4. Go somewhere FUN with friends!
I know I'm not the only one who is totally stir crazy from this pandemic. If there's one thing I've learned from this, it's that I want to LIVE. I don't think there's a better way to lift your spirits than being with the people you love and who love you. So if you can, spend time with them! Go somewhere fun or pretty! It can be as simple as a cute little picnic or just driving around town with them. Spend some fun, quality time with the people you treasure. It is never, ever wasted.
Being that I am in America, vaccines are being given out in mass amounts and things are opening up so I have finally been enjoying things again! Lately, I've enjoyed traveling, going bowling and going to a friend's youth group. Even if you can't quite do this yet, at least go outside and get some fresh air. Being cooped up is no fun and a simple change of scenery works wonders.
5. Pick fresh flowers to display
I started doing this lately and I love the life that it adds to my room. Even if it's just one little flower in a glass, it gives any room a simple elegance and daintiness that is just so sweet.
6. Journal
This I have been slacking on a little bit, but it is something that is delightfully therapeutic and something you can look back on in the future (even if you cringe). I love talking about my world views, anything on my mind and writing little poems on occasion. It's a great way to get your thoughts out without needing anyone else's attention to do so. It's just you and your own little world.
7. Bicycle rides (especially at sunset)
These are my absolute favorite. It's a beautiful change of scenery and the perfect alone time or friend activity. Normally, I like to go by myself because it's such a different atmosphere. It feels like a journey and the details of your surroundings become so much more noticeable. Also, the wind on your face feels mesmerizing. :')
8. Watch melodramatic black & white movies
Honestly what's better than a 40s femme fatale screaming in agony
9. Go to the park
I like to imagine meeting someone that way, you know, 101 Dalmatians style, but in my little town it's probably not very likely. But besides that part, it's a beautiful way to get out and have some peaceful time to yourself. You can bring a book, a journal, or a picnic or just appreciate the world. :) I also think it's sweet to see the kids there. It reminds me that things are still normal even if they don't seem so. ♡
Well, there ends my list and I hope if anything this Summer, you are able to have fun and make something beautiful out of it. I know that things are still limited in many parts of the world, but I hope that despite it all, you can still come up with ways to find nice things to do and to feel like your most authentic self. I am so excited for what this year has to offer and I really have missed you all so much. If you ever want to talk, never hesitate to reach out. I love you all so much. :)
Hugs,
Katie ♡
i loved this post katie 🥰💕