10 Ways to Make This Your Best Summer Yet!

http://365thingsaustin.com/wp-content/uploads/Barton-Springs-Pool-Austin1.jpg#1

#1 Set a summer goal

What do you hope to accomplish this summer? It can be a goal as simple as “Have a good summer” (which you’re already considering if you’re reading this). Or challenge yourself to something such as training for a half-marathon, reading 5 books, watching the sunrise/sunset once a week, or making 3 new friends.
 

#2 Learn something new

What have you always wanted to try? Pick up a new hobby. Learn to play a new instrument. Start to play a sport. Learn to master a new recipe! Not only will you have fun in the process, but you could develop a skill that will stay with you for life. 
 

#3 Give back

Giving brings satisfaction in many ways. Giving doesn’t have to be money, it can even be something as simple as your time. If you want to fully enjoy your summer, start by focusing on OTHERS. Find ways that you can give back to the community, the needy, the environment, etc. Look for churches or nonprofits you can serve with. Decide to donate toward building a well with us at Water to Thrive- it’ll change the lives of an entire village and save the lives of many. Be aware of ways you can serve your family or help your friends. How can you make others’ lives a little sweeter this summer?
 

#4 Enjoy Austin’s outdoor water spots

Access to water is such a gift! And summer is the perfect time to take advantage of that. Austin has some incredible places to swim and enjoy the outdoors. This summer, visit some (or all) of these fun places: Gus Fruh trail at Barton Creek Greenbelt, Barton Springs, Town Lake, Deep Eddy Pool, Redbud Isle, Secret Beach, Twin Falls, Sculpture Falls… the link below has a complete list of Austin’s best swimming holes!
 
 

#5 Take a Sabbath

It doesn’t have to be on Sunday, but choose one day a week (or at least half of a day) that you are going to dedicate to rest. On this day, choose to unplug from your phone/social media and don’t work for the day. Instead, spend time with others, with people you love, and doing something that makes you happy. This day will transform the rest of your week! 
 

#6 Get involved

Getting involved is the best way to make fun plans while meeting new people, or spending time with friends. Find a club near you that has similar interests, such as a hiking club that goes to the greenbelt together. Create a group that meets to play cards or discuss books together. Finding a church or a bible study that you enjoy could be a great way for you to get involved this summer. Also, be intentional about getting more involved in your kids’ or your family’s lives. You’ll be so glad you did!
 

#7 Pick up a healthy habit

Take care of yourself! Throughout the year it’s easy to forget to give ourselves the time and care that we need to stay healthy. This is your chance to choose something practical and healthy to implement into your life. There are many possibilities, such as deciding to exercise more (going on walks, trying out a gym, training for The Pump Run- our annual Water to Thrive 5K, etc.). Other options could be to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, or to decide to drink more water each day. Choose one healthy, realistic change and it will be easy to maintain for the summer. If you do this, you might want to keep it up throughout the year! 
 

#8 Spend 20 minutes in quiet each day

Start your morning with 20 minutes of time dedicated to slowing down and being alone. In the midst of juggling your home life, work life, and social life, things can get crazy. You won’t regret taking the time to experience some peace and quiet each day. This can look many different ways, such as reading a book, praying, doing yoga, journaling, etc. If you find a way that you enjoy the opportunity to think, reflect, and relax, you’ll reap the benefits!
 

#9 Embrace spontaneity

Ditch your rigid schedule and choose to be flexible during your downtime! This will allow for fun summer opportunities, such as making new memories, meeting new people, forming new friendships, trying new things, and experiencing new adventures. Doesn’t sound so bad, huh?
 

#10 Count your blessings

Last but not least, count your blessings! The secret to happiness is gratitude. Think about what you’re thankful for and the blessings you’re grateful for. This will help you move past negativity, frustration, or unhappiness. If you’re having trouble thinking of things, remember that even the simple blessing of clean water is something to be extremely grateful for.
 
We hope this will be your best summer yet!

 10 Ways to Make This Your Best Summer Yet!

http://365thingsaustin.com/wp-content/uploads/Barton-Springs-Pool-Austin1.jpg#1

#1 Set a summer goal

What do you hope to accomplish this summer? It can be a goal as simple as “Have a good summer” (which you’re already considering if you’re reading this). Or challenge yourself to something such as training for a half-marathon, reading 5 books, watching the sunrise/sunset once a week, or making 3 new friends.
 

#2 Learn something new

What have you always wanted to try? Pick up a new hobby. Learn to play a new instrument. Start to play a sport. Learn to master a new recipe! Not only will you have fun in the process, but you could develop a skill that will stay with you for life. 
 

#3 Give back

Giving brings satisfaction in many ways. Giving doesn’t have to be money, it can even be something as simple as your time. If you want to fully enjoy your summer, start by focusing on OTHERS. Find ways that you can give back to the community, the needy, the environment, etc. Look for churches or nonprofits you can serve with. Decide to donate toward building a well with us at Water to Thrive- it’ll change the lives of an entire village and save the lives of many. Be aware of ways you can serve your family or help your friends. How can you make others’ lives a little sweeter this summer?
 

#4 Enjoy Austin’s outdoor water spots

Access to water is such a gift! And summer is the perfect time to take advantage of that. Austin has some incredible places to swim and enjoy the outdoors. This summer, visit some (or all) of these fun places: Gus Fruh trail at Barton Creek Greenbelt, Barton Springs, Town Lake, Deep Eddy Pool, Redbud Isle, Secret Beach, Twin Falls, Sculpture Falls… the link below has a complete list of Austin’s best swimming holes!
 
 

#5 Take a Sabbath

It doesn’t have to be on Sunday, but choose one day a week (or at least half of a day) that you are going to dedicate to rest. On this day, choose to unplug from your phone/social media and don’t work for the day. Instead, spend time with others, with people you love, and doing something that makes you happy. This day will transform the rest of your week! 
 

#6 Get involved

Getting involved is the best way to make fun plans while meeting new people, or spending time with friends. Find a club near you that has similar interests, such as a hiking club that goes to the greenbelt together. Create a group that meets to play cards or discuss books together. Finding a church or a bible study that you enjoy could be a great way for you to get involved this summer. Also, be intentional about getting more involved in your kids’ or your family’s lives. You’ll be so glad you did!
 

#7 Pick up a healthy habit

Take care of yourself! Throughout the year it’s easy to forget to give ourselves the time and care that we need to stay healthy. This is your chance to choose something practical and healthy to implement into your life. There are many possibilities, such as deciding to exercise more (going on walks, trying out a gym, training for The Pump Run- our annual Water to Thrive 5K, etc.). Other options could be to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, or to decide to drink more water each day. Choose one healthy, realistic change and it will be easy to maintain for the summer. If you do this, you might want to keep it up throughout the year! 
 

#8 Spend 20 minutes in quiet each day

Start your morning with 20 minutes of time dedicated to slowing down and being alone. In the midst of juggling your home life, work life, and social life, things can get crazy. You won’t regret taking the time to experience some peace and quiet each day. This can look many different ways, such as reading a book, praying, doing yoga, journaling, etc. If you find a way that you enjoy the opportunity to think, reflect, and relax, you’ll reap the benefits!
 

#9 Embrace spontaneity

Ditch your rigid schedule and choose to be flexible during your downtime! This will allow for fun summer opportunities, such as making new memories, meeting new people, forming new friendships, trying new things, and experiencing new adventures. Doesn’t sound so bad, huh?
 

#10 Count your blessings

Last but not least, count your blessings! The secret to happiness is gratitude. Think about what you’re thankful for and the blessings you’re grateful for. This will help you move past negativity, frustration, or unhappiness. If you’re having trouble thinking of things, remember that even the simple blessing of clean water is something to be extremely grateful for.
 
We hope this will be your best summer yet!