Kayaking around San Juan Island.

Last summer, I wrote on the blog a strategy to end emotional eating by having a Summer Bucket List. It was an opportunity for me to declare what I wanted to accomplish over the summer so I could then know I “got something done.”  I put many items on my list and many were accomplished like: read 3 fun books, try Stand Up Paddle Board and go camping. I felt successful and really saw how I could accomplish a goal. Having the goal written down increased my ability to plan it into my schedule and then get it done.

I spent some time this last weekend contemplating what I wanted to do this summer and I got excited about the possibilities.

Here are a few items on my list:

• Buy and use a Boogie Board.
• Read 3 fun novels (guess there is a theme to this one).
• See some old friends.
• Make a stepping stone for the garden.

I found as I wrote my list, I craved something deeper: engaging in some qualities this summer that could serve me for a longer period of time in addition to the fun projects. I found this enhanced list included:

• Take care of my health (I have been feeling sluggy lately).
• Be playful.
• Be creative.

I noticed these are qualities I want to increase for myself. So I can now ask myself, Is what I am about to do going to increase my health? Will it bring in playfulness? Will I be practicing more creativity? I found myself excited by the opportunity to not just end the summer with projects completed, but a better sense of myself.

Want to create your own bucket list? Here is the link to a quick download of my Summer Bucket List. Consider adding more to the list, which can include qualities you want to increase in your life this summer like: peacefulness, joy, happiness. Join me in seeing what a difference we can make this summer in our lives overall.

What is on your bucket list this summer? Give me/us some more ideas in the comments below.

Kim McLaughlin, MA is a Counselor and Motivational Coach who specializes in working with people who suffer from binge eating and emotional eating. She is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. 

Kim McLaughlin has been identified as writing one of the Top 50 Blogs about Emotional Eating by the Institute on Emotional Eating. Sign up for her free Special Report: Top Strategies to End Binge Eating here or visit her website at www.FeedYourSoulUnlimited.com.