“SUMMER BUCKET LIST” (Post 130)
MONDAY, JUNE 22
POST 130
Ideas to Find Joy in Recovery … from the Creative Mind of a Child
A couple of weeks ago, I received a text that inspired me to open new doors to creativity during this stay-at-home time … yes, some areas are still observing these wise guidelines! How do we, generally speaking, remain home and keep our minds focused on the positive … on healthy new (or re-newed) interests and relationship-building? With children at home for summer vacation, how can both adults and kids look forward to rewarding adventures and experiences?
The more I pondered the “Summer Bucket List” sent to me, it became obvious that creative new experiences and shared, deeper relationships are ways to “build” those recovery-pathways so needed within a brain that is riddled with addiction. We all want to have something(s) to look forward to … to feel accomplished … to not be bored! The following, hopefully, will spark ideas for you and your loved ones to fill the days ahead with anticipation that brings hope, excitement, and more ideas!
MY SUMMER BUCKET LIST
· Make homemade ice cream/snow cones
· Build a blanket fort
· Cook s’mores
· Have an ultimate spa night (mother & daughter)
· Have a backyard water party
· Teach doggy a new trick
· Finish the Summer Reading Program
· Take doggy to the dog park
· Eat breakfast in bed
· Have a family movie night
· Make a scavenger hunt
· Give each other makeovers (mother & daughter)
· Eat dinner on the patio
· Read a book together as a family
· Have a picnic in the park (park guidelines permitting)
· Make a fig dessert (from our fig tree)
· Re-decorate a child’s room
· Go on a hike
· Have a family game night
· Finish a Lego Set together (as a family)
· Make an at-home “restaurant”
· Try a new skill as a family
· Have a ping-pong tournament
· Complete a puzzle together
· Go on-line window shopping
· Give doggy a “makeover”
· Go to a drive-in movie
· Go to the beach (beach guidelines permitting)
One enterprising family I know has made their own “Family Theatres”: one indoors and one outside. They project movies on the wall in a basement corner and each person has their own seat; and they do this, also, with a screen on their patio! Friday evenings, usually, have been Movie Nights!
My latest adventures have been in the kitchen. Lately, I’m looking at OLD recipes. Favorite long ago junior high home economics dishes and centuries old desserts get my mouth watering! Last week I tried (successfully!) a pie with strawberry jam in the filling and a perfect meringue on top. I haven’t cooked so much in many years! (By the way, the meringue was prepared by hand: no mixer … not even an egg-beater! And I haven’t made a meringue top but once before – and that was a flop, many years past.)
May you each be encouraged and discover the joys of new learning, renewed skills, and growing closer to one another!
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
855-926-0761
For more information on the IGCCB Clergy/Lay Minister Certification visit:
For more information on gambling disorder and recovery issues
www.indianaproblemgambling.org