July: Do More of What You Love.

It's not about being sad, because limited funds prevents access to what we really want to do. There are plenty of people who have everything and are still unhappy.

Let's go deeper.

It's about being content and living a life of meaning. One that fulfills.

Choose to be happy.

Choose to be positive.

Choose to add a bright spot to an otherwise dull moment.

Choose to love.

Choose to be patient.

Sometimes when we have been bogged down by hardships for so long, the rut can get so familiar that it can feel like paradise. We won't even push for better. So it can be hard to imagine a blue sky even when we are looking at it.

Yet, even while struggling, we can identify things that make us pause long enough to smile. Like a baby's laughter.

Something that becomes enough to hold onto and climb out of a pit.

When I took this photo, I was in an Uber exploring a region in the Caribbean. I was by myself, far from my hotel. I don't know what happened that led this boat to be in its current location surrounded by trees. Or maybe someone just parked it there. I struck me though that there was movement. Action.

Instead of just waffling thru life directionless, and going whichever way the wind blows, write down what gets you excited. Yeah, it was a little scary being alone not having my usual conveniences, walking streets and traversing sites I'd never been before. Yet, it was awesome.

Life wasn't meant to be boring and unfulfilling.

It's meant to be lived.

The little things always count. And matter more than big ticket experiences.

We learn to adapt and find new things that suit us until a change comes.

Low mobility? Don't let this slow you down! Check ADA compliance and special accommodations. Ask for help! There are people who swim without arms. Yes, I get it. Sometimes we have physical limitations. Check into alternatives for safety.

Afraid of crowds? This presents an opportunity to overcome and find something new that brings joy and fascination to your life. Even dining out alone can still be fun. If you can't enjoy your own company, who else will?

Helping others gives a long-lasting kind of impact.

And yes, scheduling time in for ourselves is huge.

Lose yourself in a museum, festival, movie, book....

...Or song! Check out these tunes that made my list this month:

Who Let the Dog Out, by Baha Men

Unwritten, by Natasha Bedingfield

Lovely Day, by Bill Withers

Don't Stop Believing, by Journey

What's on your playlist for this month?

Stefany