9 Ways to Make the Most of Summer Celebrations
It’s too darn hot for personal growth.
As I sat down to write this newsletter, the idea of sharing a high-action and goal-oriented message felt about as appealing as baking a lasagna in the middle of this heat wave. I craved something that would infuse my summer with a sense of growth and connection but without a lot of hassle or effort. It struck me that just like birthdays and New Years, our summer celebrations can become rituals of self-reflection and intentionality.
An invitation to celebrate, purposefully.
When we infuse meaning into our joyful moments, we unlock a precious opportunity to connect with ourselves and deepen our connections with others.
So how can we celebrate purposefully? Here are 9 practices to support you in bringing intentionality to your summer celebrations.
Pick one or two that resonate with you and align with your values and give them a whirl!
9 Ways to Infuse Celebrations with Meaning
1. Set an intention: Before each event, take a moment to reflect on what you hope to experience or achieve. Set a clear intention that aligns with your values and desires. For example, focus on renewing a connection or practicing mindfulness to be fully present.
2. Write a letter to yourself: Pour your thoughts and aspirations into a heartfelt letter related to the occasion. Seal it and save it to open afterward, allowing yourself to reflect on your growth and progress, or try this nifty site that lets you write an email to your future self, virtually.
3. Meaningful Conversations: Seek meaningful conversations with others during your celebrations. Ask thought-provoking questions, actively listen, and engage in deeper discussions to foster connection and understanding. Challenge yourself to go one level deeper than you usually do!
4. Practice gratitude: Take a moment to share or journal on 1-3 things you're grateful for after the experience. My family likes the Rose, Thorn, Bud ritual: share your highlights (Rose), challenges (Thorn), and new ideas or something you're looking forward to (Bud.)
5. Genuinely thank someone: Take the time to express your gratitude to someone who has positively impacted your journey. Sincere appreciation can deepen connections and create meaningful moments. "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." says William Arthur Ward. I like to use this framework from NVC.
6. Design personalized rituals: Create meaningful gestures to mark the beginning or end of the event. For example, my family is gathering from all corners of the US to celebrate my niece’s wedding next month. Maybe we'll create a special toast to kick off our first meal together or make sure we do something unique to commemorate the last morning of our shared experience.
7. Reflect through journaling: Take time to journal about your expectations, emotions, and insights before and after the event. Gain clarity, process your experiences, and identify areas for exploration and growth.
8. Acts of Service: Volunteer to use your strengths to bring joy or support to your celebration. Extra cash? Bring an obscene amount of fireworks. Sporty? Organize a field day for the kids (or adults!) Love cooking? Volunteer to bring a beloved item (or the whole spread!)
9. Share Stories and Memories: Encourage sharing stories, memories, or meaningful moments related to the celebration. Allow each person to contribute and create a shared experience. What memory will you miss out on if you don’t ask?
In Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Impact
Celebrating purposefully is not just for summers but for our lives as a whole. By infusing meaning into our joyful moments, we acknowledge our progress, cultivate gratitude and reflection, and deepen our connections with others. Don't sweat summer: make small changes to celebrate with intention and create moments that leave a lasting impact on your life.
