How To Be Heard

There is absolutely nothing worse than feeling misunderstood and like you’re not being heard. I mean obviously you’re always right, so why won’t people just listen to you already? But before you give up and reside in the corner stewing in silence, let me help you find your voice.

Listen- This might sound counterproductive to our goal of being heard, but if you want anyone to give you so much as the time of day, you must first give them the respect of being heard and validated. 

As Lily from The Princess Diaries would say, “Shut up and Listen”.

Volume- Surprise! Yet another ironic answer- don’t shout. If you’re yelling at someone they’re more likely to be quiet, but don’t mistake their silence for listening. 

Use your ‘inside voice’ as my mom would tell her students. 
Also, let’s just address the fact that we still need the advice given to preschoolers.

Don’t split it- Just like you shouldn’t share your food (because it’s YOUR damn food), don’t split your attention. Using your phone or interrupting someone is almost a guarantee for them to reciprocate that behavior when you are speaking...not to mention that it can be hurtful.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T-

Being respectful means knowing who, what, where, when and how to verbalize your thoughts. Timing is everything and it couldn’t be more true if you want others to be receptive to what you have to say.

So maybe not what you were expecting, huh? Try integrating these strategies into your life and watch all of your relationships improve. The simple act of listening will grant you access to the many wonderful things in life including a confidant and life long friendships and therefore, improve your life.

How To Make Your Summer Not Suck

As yesterday was the first day of my summer vacation, I found it only appropriate to solve all of your summer struggles right off the bat. If you are anything like I used to be, this is a daily conversation in the long summer months:

“What are we doing today?”

“I don’t know...what do you want to do?”

“I don’t know.”

Come on people! Summer is a time for chasing fireflies around your front yard at night, while simultaneously trying not to get hit by cars because one flew out into the road. So how does one avoid the summer slump? Planning! Wooh! Everyones favorite!

But it’s actually a lot easier than you think. Have you ever noticed that when you are incredibly busy folding laundry, that you come up with 101 things to do other than what you are currently doing? Write them down and keep it as a reference for your free days to avoid the above dialogue. If I had realized this sooner, I would have saved precious time that could have been spent convincing my friends I would go into the ocean, but running away every time a wave came (i.e. I never made it in).

Need some ideas? Let me help kickstart your summer fun.

Beach it up- If you live near a coast this wasn’t your first thought when you hear the word “summer”, you’re doing it wrong.

Have a picnic- Nothing makes a cuter instagram post than a picnic. Having ants crawl on you is just the sacrifice that you are going to have to make.

Go hiking- Hiking is one of my personal favorites- bonding with friends and reconnecting with the planet. Just one thing, do not forget bugspray.

Cook a meal- While I’m not exactly about to win (or even make it onto) Iron Chef America, cooking a meal or two with friends and family can be a lot of fun. Plus, you get bragging rights over the great meal you just prepared, so give it a shot.

Eat watermelon- Come on, you saw this coming. It’s in season so buy it. Unless it’s the last one...then save it for me.

Fly a kite- “Let’s go fly a kite! Up to the highest height! Let’s go fly a kite and send it soa-” Oh. You get it? Okay.

Bonfires- An activity for everyone. Unless of course fire scares you...Then this isn’t for you.

Lakes- Between lake beaches, watersports and boating, this is a failproof summer smash.

Trips- Besides your annual family vacation where everyone “gets along”, take smaller day trips like going tubing, kayaking, parasailing, camping or rafting. Maybe even check out a hot air balloon festival.

BBQ- Hello? How did you not think of this first?

Wanna stay updated on more summer fun activities? Follow my twitter account @TheDayILived and let me know how you plan to kick off your not sucky summer.