Planning My Summer with Both Fun and Reality in Mind

As you may know if you’ve read my columns before, my form of muscular dystrophy is called mitochondrial myopathy. It renders my body unable to produce enough energy to function properly. Although I’m homeschooled, which reduces the hours I spend learning, it still takes up valuable time and energy. I guess the same could be said for anyone. But my situation is a bit more extreme.

As of last week, however, my summer has officially begun! I am excited to start planning outings I normally would not be able to make during the school year.

Every summer my mom asks me if I have any specific outings in mind. Since traveling is too strenuous on my body, we stick to fun places nearby. In response to my mom’s question, I make a summer bucket list every year. Along with places I want to go, I also include desires I have — maybe a craft or two and ideas of things I want to do with my friends. For example, it’s been a while since I’ve been to our local fair because it’s always so hot. I suffer from heat intolerance, and it can really take a toll on my body. This year, I figured I might be able to go for an hour and a half at nighttime. It’ll be fun just to get some delicious food and watch people screaming on the rides. Another thing I put on my list is to try my hand at making a piece of jewelry. I’ve always loved the idea of do-it-yourself projects, and browsing YouTube and Pinterest inspires me.

When I make my bucket list, I always do it with a grain of salt. I don’t expect to complete everything on my list. Nor do I make it a goal. The list is simply a gathering of adventurous ideas.

To me, summer is a time to venture out of your comfort zone. It’s a time to experience and try new things. To see what the world has to offer us. Summer is a time of opportunities and newly opened doors. I hope you take some of those opportunities and have the courage to be adventurous this summer.