6 Rules for an Epic Summer

I love when people complain about winter for months and months, and then when summer finally comes around they still sit inside and watch the sun go down.

Just kidding…I think that’s my biggest pet peeve.

Constantly, I get bombarded with questions regarding how I am always in a different place. when the reality is I’m not. I work five days a week at a normal job. But what makes me different is that I manage my time, my money and am always up for something new.

So if you want to avoid being a window-starer and instead want a kick-ass summer, here are six easy rules to make May, June, July and August completely epic.

1) Make the most of your free time 

Let’s face it, most of us have jobs that are year-round. But just because you have job doesn’t mean you are completely tied down. “I have a job” is the worst excuse for lack-of-fun during the summer. Even if you have a schedule where your days off are split or unknown until the week before, you can still make sure you’re not spending it sitting at home wishing you were doing something. Trust me, I’ve done it.

2) Put your damn phone down

If all you care about is posting to social media all summer then you are doing it wrong. Anyone who knows me knows that I suck at updating Twitter/Facebook/Instagram while I’m on the road. Usually my pictures and thoughts are posted once I get back. I should probably be better at that…but I like to forget about how addicted to my phone I am. I’d rather be running down the beach at sunset. But definitely don’t leave your camera behind!

3) Learn to be care-free

Summer should be the time to jump in the car with your friends and hit the road. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a destination in the beginning. because eventually you’ll get to where you want to go. Let go and realize that sometimes no plan is the best plan.

4) Forget the haters

People are going to hate on your adventures. Screw them. You’ll be smiling cheek to cheek in the mountains while they sit at home on Facebook because they thought driving that far for a weekend was “too much”.

5) Be brave

Take the trip you’ve always been afraid of or go exploring on your own for the first time. The best memories are created when you push your comfort zone. We are all afraid, but some of us choose to embrace it rather then avoid it. Listen to your heart and buy that plane ticket you’ve always wanted.

6) Constantly look for something new

You’re not going to remember that summer you went to the exact same beach you’ve been going to since you received your license. Sometimes that means a longer drive, but that’s part of exploring. Try hiking a new path, go kayaking down a new river or go big and bungee jump off a gigantic cliff. New experiences and memories are what make a summer special.

The rules may seem simple, but that’s because they are. However, you have no idea how many times questions regarding this topic are brought up and sometimes people just need a little motivation. Especially here in the Midwest, summers can be extremely short, so it’s important to make the most of it.

So GO GO GO! Enjoy the warmth while it lasts!