Welcome to Sara Wstbrook’s “My Voice Your Choice” with mindyourmind.ca - a Q&A for youth on life issues. Sara answers Q's from youth in a way that promotes life tools and that encourage them to make responsible choices, giving them the power to create an extraordinary life. Submit your question today! Learn more about Sara on her website and check out our interview with her here!

Q: Summer is coming and I don't like being bored. Any suggestions to keep me busy over the summer?

A: School is almost at an end for this year and summer holidays are about to begin! The summer can be a time filled with lots of laughter, fun, outdoor activities, getting together with family and friends, playing sports, attending festivals etc. But for some, the summer can be a time filled with long, never ending boring days and the constant complaint that there is nothing to do!

Here are some suggestions of what you can CHOOSE to do with some of your summer holiday time:

·        Join a Sports team or a Club This will allow you to be social and active.

·        Be Creative For me painting and writing provide hours of enjoyment! :)

·        Volunteering is a great way to meet other people and it feels really great to know you are making a difference for yourself and others.

·        Going to Camp There are lots of summer camps. Some cost money and some day camps are free. Go to www.Google.ca and search for camps near you.

·        Finding a Park There is usually parks (often with a pool) and/or skateparks that you can use and enjoy.

·        Study for next school year Just kidding... but actually, if you do choose to prepare for your next year it will help you to be ahead of the game ;)

·        Fun at the Beach This is a great place for summertime fun. Go with family or friends. You can swim, play football or frizbee, read a book, build sandcastles etc.

·        Find a Hobby. Think of something you enjoy, maybe it’s playing an instrument, making crafts, gardening, baking etc. This will help pass the time in a FUN, productive way.

·        Create a UPower Map Place a picture of yourself in the middle of a piece of bristol board. Using magazines, start cutting out words, phrases or pictures that catch your eye. Glue everything that you have cut out and place on the bristol board. When it’s done, hang it in your room. This is a Great way to put a visual image to what you want to create in your life.

·        Plan Day Trips Ask your parents or friends to help you plan outings where you can explore and experience something new. There is always different festivals and attractions taking place in the summer.

·        Check out your Local Library for summer activities.

·        Create a Job If you don't have a summer job then think about creating one. This could be your own business of weeding gardens, cleaning pools, mowing lawns, walking dogs etc.

Whatever you CHOOSE to do this summer ‘make sure that you are not only living in the moment, but that you are living in a way that you will be proud of for the moments to come!’

Take this summer One Great Choice at a time!

Create a Safe and Happy Summer!

UPower it UP!!!

Until next time...

This has been 'my voice' but I respect this is your life - this is 'your choice'