Whether you have summer plans that take you across the globe or simply to the other side of the island, it’s the season for adventure. Boarding a plane, loading up the truck, or lacing up your sneakers can all be the starting point for stretching outside of your comfort zone and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Wherever your itinerary takes you, you’ll be well served by bringing a few important mindsets with you along with your pack of snacks and ample hydration. Include these in your exploration and you’ll amplify the adventure, the fun, and the satisfaction of time spent together.
Curiosity
Even if you’re going somewhere you’ve gone before, curiosity can open the door to a whole new world of discovery. A simple example of this is looking for certain colored cars on long road trips. Take this with you and let yourself wonder about all the things you see, how they work, what might happen next, and how things have changed over the years. You could also bring a sense of curiosity into how everyone interacts with each other. Noticing both small details and bigger trends can literally open your perception to a new way of seeing the world.
Savoring
Shave ice, cool streams, and salty skin are just a few opportunities to savor the delights of Summer. As you notice more of what is happening through curiosity, you’ll discover that your senses will come alive as you become more aware of what is happening in the moment. Let each new experience blossom as you take in the smells, sights, sounds, tastes, and feels that await you around every corner of your adventures. Let yourself linger in the full sensory experience of every sweet detail.
Gratitude
It’s easy to be grateful when things are going smoothly, and even then, it’s easy to forget. Let this Summer be a time for counting your blessings. Find a way that works for your family to notice, at some point throughout the day, the many ways that life is indeed beautiful. The end of the day is a natural fit for many families and can be incorporated into any bedtime routine, but this practice can also be a great way to start the day. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude this Summer, and you might notice a shift in how the whole family relates to the twists and turns of life.
Summer is the perfect time to bring these mindsets to life, and everyone in the ‘ohana will benefit from doing just that.
Kalia grew up on Maui and can’t imagine a better place to raise kids. She is the creator of The Salt in Us and helps women live on purpose without burning out. Follow her at @thesaltinus
