Shifting Your Focus

Remember when pool parties felt like the best way to celebrate summer?

I do.

This Fourth of July, I went to a big pool party at my gym. There was a DJ, lots of people, and everyone seemed to be having fun.

But as I looked around, I started to notice things. The longer I stated, the more the air was filled with the aroma of chemical aerosol sunscreen spray. People all around me were talking about their back-pain and various health problems and drinking a lot.

I started to wonder: Is this really fun for me anymore?

Have you ever been somewhere you thought you should enjoy, but it just didn't feel right?

How We Change as We Grow

As we get older and healthier, what we like can change. What used to be fun might start to feel tiring. This doesn't mean we're getting boring. It just means we're learning what really makes us happy.

I realized I still love DJ music by the pool, but being in a big crowd doesn't feel good anymore.

This happens to a lot of people, especially those who are trying to be healthier. Sometimes, it can make you feel different from others.

Thinking of New Ways to Celebrate

So, what would a great Fourth of July look like now? For me, it would be:

- Being with a few close friends or a partner

- Spending time outside to get some sun (I got plenty of vitamin D at the pool!)

- Eating tasty, healthy fruits

- Doing a fun workout outside

The main idea is to do things that make you feel good and match what's important to you now.

It's Okay to Change

If you don't enjoy the same things you used to, that's okay. It means you're growing. Here are some things to think about:

- Your new likes and dislikes are important

- Try to find friends who like the same things you do now

- It's okay to start new traditions that fit who you are today, and let go of the old

- You can still remember good times from the past while choosing to do different things now

As we try to be healthier, it's normal to feel different from others sometimes.

The key is to accept how you feel and create events that make you happy.

Your perfect Fourth of July - or any celebration - should leave you feeling good and true to yourself.

What would that look like for you?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​