Oh Blessed Summer

I am in such a state of incredible joy and relief that the school year is OVER. This past semester, though it was only 9 hours, marks the FIRST semester of school in over a YEAR that I haven't had to withdraw from school (completely or partially) due to anxiety and related health issues!

YAY!

I have so much I want to do this summer. Chiefest among them is: RELAX. And not in a "withdraw-to-my-room-and-read-and-play-video-games-all-summer" kind of way. Though of course, reading and video games will feature in my relaxation schemes. :P But no, I want to get the chance to slow down and live! Video gaming, watching TV, and even reading are leisure activities, but they do keep my mind in a sort of "intensive distracted mode." It's fun, but not necessarily unwinding, and unwinding is exactly what I want for myself this summer. Especially to prepare myself for school in the fall again.

Despite my best efforts, a good chunk of my summer is already scheduled away with various commitments, but I'll do my darn'dest to preserve the slow, relaxed, let-the-body-and-mind-process-life-at-their-own-pace feeling!

For example. Last November I had another big Jane Austen fixation phase. I always love Austen, but sometimes the love comes in waves of increased intensity, often lasting 6 weeks or so. I think they consistently come every 6 months or so.

But anyway, in November, I had this whole concept of "The Jane Austen Project" - pretty much, just doing what I could to imitate the lifestyle of the country gentry in Regency period England. I wrote letters (and texts, and journal entries, etc) in the elevated language and style of the period, I watched Austen movies up the wazoo, I did my best to imitate Regency fashion in a more modern/casual manner, I put piano or harp music on in the background instead of rock or pop or Disney or musicals...it was awesome. :)

Point being, yesterday I had this desire to "take a turn about the neighborhood," as they would say. When I took Lindsay along last November, it was a bit sad how dead and city-like everything was...much concrete and construction. :( YESTERDAY, however, I had a goal to walk the most scenic, natural path I possibly could. And you know what? I was totally surprised!

Of course, the fact that it's spring helped make EVERYTHING prettier. Not only that, but I found that by angling through parking lots and patches of grass and choosing my next direction based on its apparent lushness, I actually brought myself to discover a few hidden locations of unspoiled natural beauty!

It was lovely. I dragged poor Lindsay all around, but she got to approach and pet a cat, so I think it was at least a little worth it to her. :)

And thus, my intended pattern for the summer is established! Less rush. Less seeking elsewhere for fulfillment, more exploring and enjoying what's already there.

I wish you all the loveliest of summers!

Love,
Lauren

P.S. Lindsay's 21st birthday is this Sunday, May 22nd, so shower her with LOVE!