July's Theme: Celebrating Your FLYness

                         "Stop being everything to everybody. It is time to celebrate you." -Anonymous

Happy 1st day of July! July is a month full of celebrations, events, sun and fun. I decided to write a quick blog to help those are currently stuck being everything to everybody, on the verge of burn out, and just sick and tired of being sick and tired. Today, is the day in which you can start something beautiful and celebrate your flyness!

After this past winter, I decided that I am going to spend my warmer days, enjoying the beauty of nature by spending everyday outdoors. Dealing with the Polar Vortex killed every vibe and motivation that I had. I am thankful for the warmer weather because I love riding my bike on various bike paths, I decided to grow beautiful flowers to witness growth and transition, and I get to go on vacations and indulge on new memories and experiences with my love ones.

If you are unsure on how to spend your Summer 2014, I will provide some helpful hints, tips and sites to celebrate your FLYness and get your creative juices flowing. Let your hair down, stop being hard on yourself and enjoy yourself.

1. Learn a new hobby!  Have you ever wanted to learn how to swim? Take swimming lessons. Now is the time to learn a new hobby because the nights are longer, weather is warmer and why not now? (http://www.findmeahobby.com/)
2. Volunteer! Serving others is a great way to have fun, connect and serve the community and the people. Make a positive impact in one's life by giving your time, smiling and energy to serve others. Sign up to be a Big Brother/Big Sister. Help plant a garden within your community. Just do it! (http://www.volunteermatch.org/)
3. Complete an uncompleted project! Don't wait until the Fall to complete that project you've been working on. Working on a blog, event, home improvement, book and etc....why wait to launch until it is complete. It may not ever become complete if you are waiting for it to be "perfect". Just launch it because life and that project is a work in progress.
4. Start a side hustle! Looking to start a side hustle to turn into your full time gig. Look within and rediscover your passion and purpose in life. Jot down your passion, gifts and strengths and start your side hustle. Don't over analyze, get into your heart and start your side hustle. 
5. Get Moving! Someday is not a actual day. You want to increase your happiness, look good and feel good. Get moving. There are so many free physical activities within your community that is going on for the summer. These activities consist of Zumba in the park, walk/run challenges and more. Check you local city and town website, libraries or social media networks for free physical activities within your city. Make sure you stay hydrated with water, wear sunscreen and have fun!
6. Take a vacation! I try to take at least three major vacations and multiple mini vacations (getaways) a year. As human beings, we need to recharge, re energize, and live rather than exist. When you don't take a vacation, you suffer from burn out, depressions, headaches, and heartaches. You are never too busy to take a vacation. You make your schedule and in charge of your FLYness! Remember to stay FLY (First Love Yourself)! (http://www.parenting.com/gallery/51-mini-family-vacations)
7. Start a Summer Reading list! I love to read and I make time to read extra books during the summertime. I make a summer reading list to keep me in check on reading and obtaining more knowledge. I am a learning of life and I enjoy thriving and striving for excellence. It keep my mind active and creative. Check out Brown Girl From Boston 2014 Summer reading list (http://www.browngirlfromboston.com/2014/06/brown-girl-from-bostons-2014-summer.html)
8. Attend a workshop/class/conference! There are so many workshops, classes, and conferences that occur during the summertime. Some are free and affordable. Learning shouldn't stop over the summer or as an adult. Check out Eventbrite, Google and your local community centers for an upcoming workshop. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-pursuit-of-passion-and-purpose-group-coaching-workshop-tickets-11979195095)
9. Attend a festival, outdoor concert and event! I am a lover of music, local artists and food. I love attend outdoor events when all three are included.  There are so many festivals, fairs and outdoor concerts that occur only during the summertime and you don't want to miss out. I love traveling to other states to check out their festivals such as the Essence Music Festival in NOLA or the Food Truck Festivals in New England. Make sure you check out these free or affordable festivals. Check out Summer Music Festival Junkies for the music lovers (http://www.musicfestivaljunkies.com/) and Fodor's for all the foodies (http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/10-best-us-summer-food-festivals-for-2014)
10. Home Improvement/Organizing Projects! "When you house is a mess, your life is a mess." How many of you ever heard of that saying? Now, is the time to de-clutter your home, organize and freshen up your safe haven. Do you have clothes in your closet that you don't wear? If so, now is the time to start de-cluttering your closets. If you haven't worn something in over a year, either donate or give it away. Throw away old magazines, newspaper, paper and things that no longer serve it's purpose. (http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/donate-clothes-10000001043865/)

Remember, this is your time to celebrate your FLYness! Stop saying yes to everybody and everything and start saying yes to you and your happiness. Until next time!

How are you celebrating your FLYness and summertime? We look forward to hearing from you.

XOXO,
Drea