Summer is officially in full swing and I couldn't be more excited. After all, last year at this time, I was sitting in my house binging Netflix and scared to go outside. It's certainly been an interesting year and a half for us all, but with more and more vaccinations rolling out and things starting to get somewhat back to normal, I'm determined to make this the best summer ever!
Having your best summer ever could mean doing so many different things. It could include going to the beach, spending more time with family, or any number of activities that make you happy. To be sure that you will have your best summer ever, it's a good idea to create a list of what all you'd like to do or accomplish this summer. Here are some ideas of things to include on your summer to-do list, but feel free to get as creative with yours as you want!
Treat yourself!
To make this the best summer ever, you have to feel good about yourself. After all, if you are not happy, no one is happy. Making time for oneself is crucial not only for our physical health, but for our mental health as well. From eating more fruits and vegetables to getting more sleep, our overall health affects every aspect of our lives. And how many times have we heard "drink more water"? The answer is not enough. The more water we drink, the better our skin looks and the better our bodies can take on the world. Taking time for yourself can relieve stress and tension and bring you inner peace and happiness. So go ahead, here's your sign. Go! Get that facial you have been thinking of, get that massage that you have longed for, and put that phone down and get some extra sleep. Your summer is depending on you.
Include something outdoors
The outdoors can sometimes be seen as inaccessible for wheelchair users, but this summer, I want to push you to get outdoors more. Be sure to include at least one or two outdoor activities on your summer bucket list. You could do something as grand as visiting a national park or something closer to home like visiting an accessible trail or swimming pool. If you research state parks near you, you're sure to stumble upon a trail that will work for you. Being in the great outdoors is good for the soul and scientifically proven to increase serotonin levels!
Be adventurous
I'm a big fan of pushing past my comfort zone and therefore have enjoyed remarkable experiences around the world such as hot air ballooning over volcanoes in Spain, ziplining over alligators in Florida, and riding in a gyrocopter over beaches on the Alabama Gulf Coast. There are tons of adaptive adventure experiences out there, and you should try one this summer! Some possible options could include adaptive waterskiing, adaptive paragliding (this is what I'm hoping to do this summer!), or something a bit less daring. Being "adventurous" is relative, but as long as you are pushing past your comfort zone, that's all that matters.
Include a first-for-you experience
Maybe there's something you've always wanted to do, but simply haven't gotten around to it yet. This is the summer to finally do whatever that may be! For example, if you have never ridden a train, you could do that. Or even renting a private movie theater could be fun for a first-time experience. There is a plethora of options, depending on what you have already done or not done in your life! Personally, I want to ride the incline railway in Chattanooga, Tennessee this summer. It's something I've never done, but have always wanted to. This summer, I'm vowing to finally check it out.
Plan a fun activity with those closest to you
As last year taught us, isolation can be lonely. We need communication and laughter with other humans to make us happy and this is the summer to do it. Call your friends and plan a meet-up at the local pub. Enjoy a few drinks, eat some appetizers, and spend the evening laughing about all the stories of times gone by. Maybe even enjoy a challenging game by going to an escape room together. This is the perfect bonding experience and can bring close friends even closer together. And what about family game night? Start a new tradition by pulling all the members of your household together one night a week and break out Monopoly or play a card game of Rook. Any time your family is together is absolutely priceless.
By using these recommendations, your summer will undoubtedly be off to a fantastic start. Use this summer to do things you put off last year and take full advantage of all the amazing experiences our world has to offer. Happy summer!
About the Author
After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory Lee's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the U.S. when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned 15. Since then, Cory has traveled to 21 countries across six continents, all while managing to start up his travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not-so-accessible travel adventures with others. Cory is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, in a nationwide segment for CBS News, Lonely Planet, and many others. His blog won the 2017 Best Travel Blog Gold Lowell Thomas Award. He hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.
Cory Lee's ride is a Quickie Q700 M.
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