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Summer Expectations vs. Reality



Side note: I tend to write based on my stream of consciousness, so that may explain why I sound very redundant and disorganized.
The first week of summer has already passed and that means around 10% of my summer has ended. There is no doubt that I have less stress than the normal school day and can spend more time on other activities such as piano. However, how I envisioned my summer days was not what I expected it to be. I guess it has to do with the fact that I set expectations that are more suited for the school year and not for summer break. These goals are more on a rigid, tight schedule that requires regular commitment. Although I made consistent progress on some areas, there were some goals that I didn't achieve on a daily basis. A possible reason this is happening is because I naturally have the tendency to relax during the summer by sleeping an extra hour or two.
I think what is lacking from my summer is spending more time in solitude or exploring places nearby. In the school year, I barely have time to contemplate and reflect on myself. With these 10 weeks, I should seize this opportunity. I am also behind on reading, so I should let my last waking hour be reading a good book.
After thinking about this blog post for a day, I now have a clearer explanation why I am not very satisfied with my summer. Although it is good that I am using summer as an opportunity to self-study so I can be sharp when I go back to school, I don't take some hours of my day to enjoy the present moment. Instead of making summer days long, they all pass by in an instant. I expected my summer days to be carefree, but the reality isn't quite true. There is some stress from USNCO class as I am expected to complete the problem set by the end of the week and finish reading the textbook on time.
Also, I have a hard time letting myself relax and unwind. I always give myself excuses on how I am not done and have to finish my expected tasks, which can be quite frustrating. It is summer time yet it feels unnatural to not do anything but to relax.

In conclusion, it is good to use summer time as free time to pursue activities that you are unable to do in the school year that lasts for 9-10 months. These activities can be hobbies or interests, preferably ones that abide by digital minimalism. Use summer as a time to explore new places and enrich yourself in new experiences. This ending sounds very cringey and preachy but I will let it be the concluding statement.
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