Hey everyone! I'm Emma from Youth MOVE NH and I'm a new Youth Peer Support Specialist. With lots of new trainings and information fresh in my mind, I have realized how much I have learned this summer. In thinking about the middle and high school age groups and the current time of year, I have been reflecting on my own past. I remember how I always felt when August came around, along with the feeling of a new school year. With the end of summer in sight, it is easy to slide back into the "Sunday blues" feeling of school rounding the corner. I used to think my summer slipped away, and with fall quickly approaching, I didn't know what to do with the rest of it. Luckily, as I've gotten older, I have found that it is best to make the most of the time you have! In light of the seasons changing, it is a great time to transition into an optimistic outlook and embrace the "glass half full" mindset. With the rest of August on our hands, and the sunny season still here for its yearly visit, there are plenty of ways to make the rest of the summer the BEST of the summer! Some things to keep in mind might include seasonal activities, taking advantage of the sun, and spending time with friends and family. Personally, I enjoy hanging out with my siblings as much as possible before we go our separate ways for the school year. There is nothing like grabbing your beach bag and spending the day soaking up the sun with your loved ones! Maybe instead of counting the days until school starts, it would be more fun to count the amount of beach days you can fit in. Another way to make the most of the rest of your summer other than hitting the water could be to set a small goal to focus on for the month. From mastering that one skill you've been practicing for your fall sports team, to focusing on that new drawing technique you learned at summer camp, any goal will work as long as you put your mind to it! When you think of time in terms of goal setting, a month suddenly seems like a lot of summer left! In any direction you go, the ultimate thing to keep in mind is seizing the day. Whether it's staying cool by relaxing inside every day, cramming as many summer activities into one day as you possibly can, or putting your mind to a goal you'd like to achieve, every day is a good day when it's summertime! Find what's best for your summer expectations, and make the most of every last bit of what you have. Happy August, everybody!
