Embracing Summer: A Journey of Graduation, Reflection, and New Beginnings

Today marks a beautiful transition. It’s the day when the persistent hum of stress finally starts to recede, settling into a comfortable quiet. I find myself waking with a calm mind, no longer racing through an endless to-do list, but gently easing into the day. This shift allows me to truly carve out moments for myself and for the incredible individuals who enrich my life. I’m focusing on nourishing my body with wholesome, energy-boosting foods and dedicating time to invigorating exercise that genuinely makes me feel good. Most importantly, I’m prioritizing genuine smiles and hearty laughter. Today is not just another day; it is the glorious first day of summer, and I am determined to embrace every single moment of it with an enthusiasm you wouldn’t believe!

A Milestone Celebration: My Sister’s Graduation!

Before we dive deeper into my personal journey, I absolutely have to share some exciting news and invite you all to join me in congratulating my amazing sister! She has officially graduated from the esteemed University of Minnesota with a degree in Professional Strategic Communications, complemented by impressive minors in history and political science. This achievement is not merely a piece of paper; it represents years of dedication, hard work, late-night study sessions, and an unwavering commitment to her academic pursuits. We are all incredibly proud of her perseverance and intellect.

This past weekend, our entire family converged in Minneapolis to celebrate her remarkable accomplishments. It was a joyous occasion filled with heartfelt congratulations, shared memories, and excited discussions about her future. These are the moments that truly strengthen family bonds, reminding us of the importance of supporting each other’s dreams and celebrating every step of the journey.

And the journey continues! My sister is set to embark on a new adventure in August, heading to Colorado to pursue a law degree from the prestigious University of Colorado, Boulder. Her ambition and drive are truly inspiring. She’s not just chasing her own dreams; she’s inadvertently giving me a reason to push for mine, showing me that with determination, anything is possible. Watching her pursue her passions with such vigor is a powerful motivator.

It’s not just my sister; her incredible circle of friends are also fanning out to various corners of the country, each pursuing their own amazing paths and making their mark on the world. It’s truly inspiring to witness so many young, driven individuals stepping into their next chapters with such enthusiasm and purpose. The energy and ambition radiating from this group are contagious.

Reflecting on Lee’s Goals of 2011: A Mid-Year Review

On this incredibly happy note, it feels like the perfect time to pause and revisit the goals I diligently set for myself at the beginning of this year. It’s always valuable to assess progress, celebrate victories, and identify areas that still need attention. The goals highlighted in pink are either already achieved or are actively in progress – a testament to dedication and consistent effort!

Lee’s Goals of 2011

• 1. Wake up positive, go to bed positive.

  (I confess, I borrowed this brilliant goal from Michelle @ Give Me The Almond Butter, and she couldn’t be more right.) The way you begin your day profoundly influences its trajectory. Cultivating a positive morning mindset truly sets a constructive tone. This also extends to consciously surrounding myself with uplifting influences: optimistic people, nutritious foods that fuel both body and mind, and an environment that fosters peace and growth. These elements are all fundamental pillars of personal well-being. This particular goal is definitely a continuous work in progress, requiring daily mindfulness and effort, but I am committed to it.

• 2. No cheating on the 28-Day Challenge.

  It’s only 28 days, after all! My starting day was Monday, January 3rd. This challenge was about discipline and proving to myself that I could stick to a commitment for a set period. It’s rewarding to see how consistency can lead to positive outcomes, both physically and mentally.

• 3. Find time for myself every single day.

  This goal has been about intentional self-care. I wanted to deepen my yoga practice, truly savor hot cups of tea, allow myself the luxury of a nap when my body craved it, and even grant myself permission to skip a class if my well-being truly called for it. This isn’t about being irresponsible; it’s about listening to my body and mind, recognizing the importance of rejuvenation in a demanding schedule. I’m happy to report significant progress in prioritizing these vital moments.

• 4. Add at least one original CFF recipe per week.

  My aim was to create recipes that were (1) cost-efficient, (2) healthy, and (3) absolutely delicious. This has been a fun and creative outlet, pushing me to experiment in the kitchen and share new, wholesome ideas. It’s been incredibly satisfying to develop meals that meet these criteria and contribute to a healthier lifestyle without breaking the bank.

• 5. Travel to a place I’ve never been.

  This remains an exciting prospect on my list, a promise of new experiences and broadening horizons. I believe travel is a powerful educator, offering unique perspectives and invaluable memories. This is definitely one I’m looking forward to tackling in the coming months.

• 6. Minimize my carbon footprint and do more DIY.

  Inspired by my friend Claire, who crafts her own hygiene products and embodies an eco-friendly lifestyle, I’ve been eager to adopt more sustainable practices. This includes buying more in bulk to reduce packaging waste, consistently reusing my bags, creating my own spreads and dips like hummus and nut butters, and even something as simple as washing my clothes less frequently to conserve water and energy. It’s a journey towards more conscious consumption and a smaller environmental impact, and every small step counts.

• 7. Volunteer.

  I firmly believe in the importance of giving back to my local community. Making a tangible difference is truly a two-way street; it not only provides invaluable support to those in need but also fosters profound personal growth and moral development within oneself. The sense of purpose and connection derived from volunteering is deeply enriching, and I’m proud to have engaged in this vital act of service.

• 8. Declare a major.

  This was a significant administrative hurdle that simply needed to be completed. You might recall the relief when my proposal finally received approval! It feels good to have this foundational step cemented, clearing the path for focused academic pursuit.

• 9. Find an internship.

  Securing an internship was a crucial professional goal for gaining real-world experience and insight into my chosen field. I’m pleased to report that this objective has been successfully met, opening doors to practical learning and networking opportunities that will be invaluable for my future career.

• 10. Chew less gum and drink less coffee.

  These two habits are my undeniable weaknesses. Gum chewing has become a nervous habit, and the sheer volume I go through daily is truly excessive – I’ll spare you the exact number for my own sake! As for coffee, a cup or two upon waking is perfectly acceptable and even enjoyable. My real struggle lies with the additional, often unnecessary, expenditures at places like Starbucks, Caribou, and Bruegger’s. If I could curtail this bad habit, I’d save a substantial amount of money, or “mucho dinero,” as they say! Regrettably, on this front, I must admit: EPIC FAIL. It’s a habit I’m still striving to master.

Setting Intentions: My Summer Goals

As the vibrant energy of summer unfolds, I am eager to channel my focus towards the goals from my initial list that still await accomplishment, along with some exciting new aspirations. Summer provides a unique opportunity for growth, exploration, and self-improvement, away from the structured demands of academic life. Here’s what I’m committing to for the warmer months:

1. Find time for myself every day. This isn’t just a carry-over from my annual goals; it’s a re-commitment to prioritizing my mental and emotional well-being. Summer’s slower pace offers the perfect chance to truly embed this habit. Whether it’s reading a book in silence, a long walk in nature, journaling, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea, I want to ensure these moments of self-recharge are non-negotiable.

2. Travel to places I’ve never been. This goal is finally within reach! I have an exciting lineup of trips planned for this summer, promising new landscapes, cultures, and experiences. I believe stepping out of one’s familiar environment is crucial for personal growth, broadening perspectives, and creating unforgettable memories. I can’t wait to share these adventures with you all.

3. Minimize my Carbon Footprint. Building on my earlier intentions, this summer I want to intensify my efforts towards living more sustainably. This means making conscious choices in my daily life – from transportation to consumption. I aim to actively seek out local markets, support eco-friendly brands, and reduce waste wherever possible. Every small action contributes to a larger positive impact on our planet.

4. Chew less gum and drink less coffee. My previous “EPIC FAIL” on this goal serves as fresh motivation! This summer, I’m determined to tackle these habits with renewed vigor. I’ll explore alternative methods for managing nervous energy instead of gum, and find healthier, more cost-effective ways to boost my energy levels, steering clear of unnecessary coffee shop visits. It’s time to break free from these minor dependencies and reclaim that “mucho dinero!”

Additional Summer Goals to Elevate My Experience:

5. Drive my car as LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. With the beautiful summer weather, I want to embrace alternative modes of transportation. Biking, walking, and utilizing public transit will be my go-to options. Not only will this contribute to minimizing my carbon footprint, but it will also provide more opportunities for exercise, fresh air, and a deeper connection with my local surroundings. It’s about consciously choosing a greener, more active lifestyle.

6. Socialize more. As some of you know, I experienced a fair bit of anxiety surrounding alcohol when I turned 21 back in April. This led to an understandable hesitancy to immerse myself in social situations where drinking is prevalent, particularly at bars, as I feared feeling awkward or making others uncomfortable. This summer, I am committed to confronting this social anxiety head-on. My goal is to enjoy social gatherings, connect with friends, and have genuine fun, all while staying sober and comfortable in my own skin. It’s time to build confidence in my social interactions without relying on external influences.

7. Read the news. I know, this might sound like a peculiar “goal,” especially for summer. However, I’ve noticed lately that I’ve been entirely engulfed in the vibrant but often insular “blog-o-sphere,” inadvertently neglecting broader current events reported by reputable sources like CNN. It’s crucial to stay informed about the world beyond my immediate interests. This goal is about expanding my awareness, fostering a more well-rounded perspective, and engaging thoughtfully with global happenings.

8. Be less self-conscious in a swimsuit. This is a deeply personal and often challenging goal for many, and it’s something I’ve always struggled with. Summer means swimsuits, and it’s time for me to embrace my body, appreciate its strengths, and feel genuinely comfortable and confident in my own skin. We all have our insecurities, and for me, it’s my legs – specifically, my muscular thighs. I’ve always had them, and I always will! Instead of viewing them as a flaw, I need to accept them as a part of who I am, a testament to strength and activity. This summer is about cultivating radical self-acceptance and celebrating my body, exactly as it is.

9. Meet new people and none of this judging stuff. This goal is all about open-mindedness and embracing diversity. What I mean by this is looking beyond initial stereotypes, preconceptions, or surface-level judgments. I want to meet new individuals with a truly open heart and mind, allowing them the space to be their authentic selves without any preconceived notions on my part. It’s about genuine connection and appreciating the rich tapestry of personalities and experiences the world has to offer.

Time for Breakfast!

All this goal-setting and reflection has certainly worked up an appetite. Right now, I am absolutely craving a bowl of:

Perfect Oatmeal

Happy Monday, everyone! May your week be filled with positive energy and forward momentum.

-L

Engage with My Journey: Your Thoughts & Aspirations

What goals have you accomplished since the start of the year? Sharing our successes, big or small, can inspire others and reinforce our own sense of achievement. I’d love to hear about your triumphs and milestones.

What exciting goals have you set for the Summer months? Let’s create a community of encouragement. Whether it’s travel, personal growth, health, or creative pursuits, share what you’re striving for as the days grow longer and brighter!