My theme for July is FUN
Because dammit, I could use some fun about now. Can’t you?
I must say, I feel very much like I am forcing this just a bit. Especially with that confetti image.
But I am tired of the nonstop doom and gloom, so I’m declaring July to be my month for FUN.
Despite my husband’s upcoming knee replacement surgery, which takes place this month. Despite the ongoing COVID crisis. Despite the many issues we are facing here in the United States, which continues to struggle to live up to its promises of justice and equality for all.
FUN is what I’m planning this month, and I invite you to join me.
“Look at me. Look at me. Look at me NOW. It is fun to have fun, but you have to know how.””
This week, FUN will look like the following:
a socially distant day at the beach with my husband—we are lucky to be able to drive down and back in the same day
some time reading in my swing chair out back
time spent cutting and sewing some new face masks
patio time with Morris
Is that all the most wild version of FUN imaginable? I mean, it’s not CAT IN THE HAT level of fun, but that feels seriously exhausting to contemplate.
This week’s list includes things that I find enjoyable, and that is enough to qualify as FUN.
Here is a list of possibilities for you, if you want to join me but aren’t yet sure what fun might entail. (As I said, it’s been a long, hard few months, so if you aren’t feeling your peppiest, I get it.) All of these things can be done while observing masking and social distancing rules.
Take a nature walk or hike, alone with your camera (and phone) if you need alone time, or with someone else.
Grab some art or craft supplies and get busy.
Always wanted to paint en plein aire? Now is your chance!
Want to make postcards or notecards to send off? Do it.
Create a vision board for yourself. (See this post for inspo)
Sew some face masks using fabric you have on hand. There are lots of patterns online. I happen to love this one, though I added a wire inside the top of the mask for better fit.
Knit or crochet something.
Take up embroidery or needlepoint. You can even emulate Dame Judi Dench, who creates works full of profanity.
Just say no to things you don’t feel like dealing with. No to bras or makeup, at least for a day. No to things that feel like obligations when you need time off.
Buy (or make) popsicles or ice cream.
Get yourself an inflatable pool or sprinkler so you can cool down in your yard, old-school style.
Take a bike ride.
Go kayaking or canoeing.
Enjoy time on your balcony, patio, or in your yard, common area, or local park. Make it a picnic, even if it’s just for yourself.
Spend time in a hammock, if you have one.
Take a few hours of time to read, just for fun.
I love this quote that I came across as I was thinking about FUN, and about why the idea of fun felt important.
“When fun gets deep enough, it can change the world.”
Things that are fun are (by definition) enjoyable to do. It’s a positive way to spend time, and it has the effect of lifting your spirits. Lifting your spirits is a mood booster that helps to lift those around you, too. (A moody version of “a rising tide lifts all boats”.)
Fun can be contagious. Not just by spreading to other people, but by spreading to other areas in your own life. By having more fun, you are allowing yourself some time to fill your own stores of positive energy. As you do, you will find that other things become just a little bit difficult.
That is part of the motivation behind the free event I’m hosting at the end of the month.
Dress to Express Yourself is all about reclaiming ourselves through self-expression, by wearing what we damn well want. It’s ditching the tired stuff that doesn’t thrill us, at least for a few days, and putting on the things that make us feel good about who we are.
What is welcome:
Fun or even silliness
A sense of play
A willingness to mix and match and try new things
“Yes, gurl, yes!” and other positive self-talk
Readiness to start a positive shift and reclaim your zing!
What to leave at the door:
Tiredness
Negative body image or self-talk (don’t worry - I’ve got ideas to help!)
Old things that make you feel tired, weighed down, or less than
It’s a four-day challenge, running from Thursday, July 30th through Sunday, August 2nd. And it is going to be a ton of FUN!
CLICK for more details and to SIGN UP TODAY!
