Summer loving: events and memories

There is little more annoying than seeing your Facebook feed jammed with loads of smiling faces at an event you so tooooootally would have gone to, had you only known it was on or got your shizzle together to get tickets. We are spoiled for choice with events and entertainment at this time of year, stretching right through to April. So take half an hour out of your week now to do your prep, gather what you need for your best summer and head off that FOMO at the pass.

Think memory-making. At its very essence, that is what will create our best summer. Experiences, both shared and individual. What would make you look back and smile? Who is integral to that? Where is special to you? What or who do you wish to make time for every year but don’t?

I do this with World of Wearable Arts every year: I forget just how much I want to go until I actually see it all unfolding live and I’ve missed the boat again. Not this year. I am getting my booking in now and heading off the FOMO for 2019.

If all this talk of planning is bringing you out in hives, remember that there is a strange irony to the fact that when we invest a little time and energy upfront in planning the highlights, we ironically seem to have more time, not less, to be spontaneous and grab the opportunities that just come our way in the moment. Structure magically creates space.

Make a summer 2018/19 wish list this week. Share it with the people that matter. A little planning now not only sets you up for the best summer of shared experiences, but also allows you to luxuriate in one of the most delicious emotional states there is: anticipation. Anticipation is an instant emotional wellbeing booster. It allows you to feel good not just doing the thing but for weeks or months ahead you get a little rosy glow as well as some pre-match feel good chat.

Putting more anticipation into life is an easy way to up your happiness quotient very quickly.