"Sometimes, I like to close my eyes, and imagine what it'd be like when summer does come."
I doubt Olaf was the only one closing his eyes and imagining the sun's warmth in winter; we all have been there whenever the brutal wind slaps our faces on our way to classes. But the sun has been kind to us the past two weeks, making it feel like summer is really just around the corner (although we have to face finals first)!
So now what? What should, or must, we do in summer?
Well, before your anxiety hits the roof, go take a look at our cute Olaf, turn on the song "In Summer," come back, and let us pay attention to what Olaf has to say! Although Olaf sang "In Summer" ten years ago, you will find the song lyrics quite relevant. As we skim through the words, let's think about how to make the most of the summer. It might look slightly different from what your self-help books say, but who cares? Holler back to your younger self who enjoyed “Frozen,” and let's think of some ways to fully enjoy summer! (with Olaf's serious voice during the last few seconds of the song).
Bees'll buzz, kids'll blow dandelion fuzz.
Have you noticed the grass sprouting and flowers blooming, altogether lighting up the campus with different colors? Take a walk around the campus, or check out what flowers bloomed in your neighborhood when you return home for the summer! I promise it will feel really good to immerse yourself in the peaceful nature around you after all the hours of nonstop digital life that you had to live because of all the assignments and tests.
And I'll be doing whatever (insert your name) does in the summer / A drink in my hand, my snow up against the burning sand/ Probably getting gorgeously tanned in summer.
What activities filled up the bucket list you diligently wrote at the corner of your notebook or iPad when you were getting stressed? Don't just leave them on the list, but make them come into a reality this summer. Did you want to travel to a different state? Maybe lie down on the sand by the beach? Whatever they are, plan when and how you want to make them happen this summer.
I'll finally see a summer breeze blow away a winter storm / Winter's a good time to stay in and cuddle / But put me in summer and I'll be a happy snowman!
Winter things are winter things; summer things are summer things. Leave all your worries and regrets from this semester for this semester, and get ready to fully embrace summer when it is here. That means you should work hard for the next week of school to make your transition to summer smooth! Make a list of what must be done by this spring, and what responsibilities or activities await you in summer. Writing out a to-do list will help you stay organized and ready for the new season.
And find out what happens to solid water when it gets warm…
Were there things you wanted to do, but felt reluctant, maybe due to the lack of time and space to make that happen? It could be learning an instrument that you thought was cool while watching the orchestra perform, or reading books about a field you are interested in. Devote a certain amount of time in summer to start the momentum in cultivating a good habit or skill that you want in your life. You could also try cooking, writing journals, exercising, and volunteering. Summer is an excellent time to find out what happens to you when you give yourself enough time and resources to do what you want!
And I can't wait to see what my buddies all think of me / Just imagine how much cooler I'll be in summer!
Last Christmas, I finally met up with my high school best friend/roommate after three years of not seeing her in person. Are there some people back home or friends you made before college that you have not seen for a long time? You can use this summer to catch up with them and share what was going on in each other's lives. You will find yourself relaxed around people you love, apart from academics, and by looking back with them on the good memories you made together in the past.
The hot and the cold are both so intense / Put 'em together, it just makes sense… When life gets rough, I like to hold on to my dream / of relaxing in the summer sun, just lettin' off steam.
Summer is not always fun and joyful. We are all in different life circumstances, and a break from school might mean problems for some of you. In those challenging moments, remind yourself of your dream! Keep thinking of things you like and love. I once heard someone say that thinking tragic or hard moments are not agonizing is not a display of positivity but rather a form of toxic optimism. He continued to say that positivity is to continue concentrating, doing, and thinking of things you love, even during those hard moments. And I think this is a cool way to think about positivity, and it made me think again about what I like to do. What about you? What do you like? Drawing, volunteering, knitting, singing, you know what you love. I like cherry tomatoes, so I'm going to make a salad bowl with a bunch of tomatoes in there to destress myself. Yum!
But you might say, “I don't know what I like/love!”
Well, what a perfect time to gain more experience and collect some clues to what you like! Get a job or jobs; write a diary (not a chronology) that details what you like and hate; travel and read! Read books about fields you were interested in; if you hate it, record so and why. If you like it, repeat the same process. I don't really recommend reading self-help books on top of all the books you have already read. You already know what you have to do. And if you can't do what you know you have to do, it's time to ask yourself why (not in a judgmental way, but in a kind way! If you don't have experience talking to yourself kindly, please reach out to a trusted adult or mental health professional in your area who can help you).
Remember, seasons change! Everything hurting your life right now, too, shall pass.
Oh, the sky will be blue, and you guys'll be there too.
In conclusion, make sure to enjoy every day of your summer, the blue sky, and the dear ones/things around you.
When I finally do what (insert your name) do in summer.
Congratulations on all you have accomplished and achieved this school year, no matter how badly you might think you did. It's not only the glorious moments that count. Mistakes, faults, embarrassment, tears, they all count! Like it or not, they are all you, and they are all important. Make more of those moments “you” during the summer while doing what you (not the world) want to do in summer!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.