As we move into the midpoint of summer, the hottest weather of the year settles and the days start to grow almost imperceptibly shorter. With the summer halfway behind us, it can be a good time to take stock of things. What do I want to accomplish this summer? Stain the deck? Build a patio with fire pit? Spend quality time with the family fishing or picnicking? Update my resume and assess my career goals? Run a 5 K? Develop a routine of focusing on gratitude? Quit using tobacco?
For many of us, we will be unlikely to accomplish all of the items on our list. That is normal and understandable. After all, we all have busy lives with many competing interests.
However, at this midpoint of summer, I encourage you to take a few minutes and decide which goals you really want to accomplish yet this summer. Consider taking a moment this week to find a quiet space, put the cell phone on silent, and gently sit with your thoughts. At the end of the summer, what do you want to look back on as having completed? Embrace whatever comes up for you. At the end of your quiet contemplation, jot down your priorities. Taking the action of writing it down could help you start moving in the direction of change.
If quitting tobacco is on your list of things you want to achieve by Labor Day, I encourage you to seek out local, online, and telephone resources available to help you make it happen. Planning ahead and getting the right support are good ingredients for success for any goal we may set.
