Summer Bucket List, by Madeline Vann, M.Ed., NCC
Summer Bucket List
By Madeline Vann, M.Ed., NCC, resident in counseling at White Cloud Therapeutic Services, LLC
School’s out for summer. What are your plans? Take a moment to mark this moment in some way. Yes, certain things are different than before – we have drive through moving up ceremonies and there are no school dances. But still – this is a huge accomplishment, even if it doesn’t look like the end of the year you were hoping for.
Rituals and celebrations are so important. Take some time to think about how to adapt your usual rituals for this particular end of year. Of course, it is the unofficial Reunion Summer and people are going to be getting together again at beach houses or by the lake, grilling and (re)connecting. But that might not be your story, or your kids story, and if it’s not, that’s ok.
What do you want this time and this summer to be about?
I know for me, my Summer Bucket list is going to include more daytrips, more beach time, and whatever local adventures we can come up with.
Here are a few ways to use this summer and improve everyone’s mental health:
· Get connected. Time with family, friends, and neighbors is important. Everyone’s year has looked different but for many people, loneliness was a part of the year. Reach out to people you haven’t spoken with or don’t usually connect with. See what happens.
· Appreciate nature. Time outside in nature is relaxing and improves everyone’s mood – for kids and teens it also build confidence and increases self esteem and attention. Try to find parks with a wide range of plants, animals, birds and features, such as water and forests.
· Be creative. Get out the fingerpaints, the modeling clay, and scraps for collages. Find ways to explore and enjoy your family’s creative expression.
· Learn something new. Summer break is long. So it’s the perfect time to try out a new skill or hobby.
· Help someone. Few things can benefit you, your family, and your community like getting involved in a way that helps someone else or helps your neighbors. Finding some way to be of service can bring your family together in a new way.
· Go to therapy. Not everyone is ending this year in a good place. With summer’s looser schedule this could be a moment to try group, family, or individual therapy and address anything that is still painful or troubling for you. Many people are ending this school year burned out, grieving, questioning how their lives are, or wanting help to change bad habits or break addictions. Reach out for help. And consider family therapy as an option to reduce conflict and increase your connection and understanding with one another.
For information about appointment availability for counseling at White Cloud Therapeutic Services, LLC, contact 757-503-7917 or www. 
Whitecloudtherapy.com. If you are looking for counseling sessions, Madeline Vann is taking new patients as of article publish date.
Article was written and sponsored by Madeline Vann, NCC, M.Ed. at White Cloud Therapeutic Services
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