Be Someone Different This Summer By Dr. Rob Kramer
Our actions often follow how we see ourselves, and summer in Southern Utah is the perfect chance to expand your identity. Imagine yourself in a new light—just a small shift in how you describe yourself—then support it with simple actions inspired by the unique landscapes, sunshine, and energy of the region. This will help break down the rigid boundaries and fixed expectations we have set for ourselves. Step 1: Pick a one-word description of the new you. For example: • Explorer/Adventurer: Do something you wouldn’t ordinarily do - get outdoors and out of your comfort zone. • Learner: Over summer break, go beyond your ICL classes and do some additional research on your own. • Helper: Add something new to your list of what you are already doing for others. • Artist: Create something new or take a up a new artistic hobby. • Close friend: Think of one friend that you could do something special for - cultivate your relationship with friends. Step 2: Take one small action that reflects your chosen self-description. Start with baby steps - try something simple. Once you’ve taken a baby step, and if you enjoy the direction you’re heading, gradually expand your actions as summer goes on. For example: • Explorer/Adventurer: Try a new restaurant, walk a new path in your neighborhood, visit a local farmer’s market, join a ranger-guided tour in a state park, explore nearby petroglyph sites or hike a scenic trail (check out the ICL Hiking Club). • Learner: Research and observe desert plants & wildlife, read up on stars for your next night under the sky, research the history of St. George or a city you'd like to visit, take a guided bird walk, ask a ranger a question about native plants or animals. • Helper: Help a friend or neighbor in a new way, offer to water their plants or garden while they’re on vacation or to help them with yard work, volunteer at local summer events or help out at an animal shelter. • Artist: Create something inspired by Utah’s beauty—paint desert sunsets or sketch red rock formations, take photos of blooming cacti, make crafts from natural materials, take up art classes or an instrument (it's never too late to learn). • Close friend: Send a sunny, encouraging text or check in on friends you haven’t seen since class, reconnect over coffee or lunch, host a backyard cookout, organize a star-gazing expedition or a trip to see a play or concert with friends. Why this works: Changing your self-perception and expanding your identity just a bit opens a new realm of behaviors that align with your new self-perception. This approach is often more successful than setting a resolution because now it is a reflection of who you are. Try a baby challenge this week. Finish this sentence on a sticky note: "I now see myself as: ______" and do one tiny action daily that aligns with this added description of yourself. If the first step feels right, keep going! Most of all, enjoy the adventure and beauty this summer—and have fun! Bird Walks (Wednesdays, weekly) - Website: https://www.redcliffsaudubon.org/ Historic St. George self-guided walking tours - Website: https://washcouthistory.org/area-history/walking-tours/ PAWS Animal Shelter - Volunteer website: https://stgeorgepaws.org/volunteer/ Snow Canyon State Park - ranger-guided walks, hikes. & star parties - events updated monthly - Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/snow-canyon/events/ St. George Farmers Market (Saturdays, May-Oct.) - Website: http://www.downtownfarmerstg.com
Utah Shakespeare Festival (June-Oct.) Website: https://www.bard.org/ Zion National Park - Website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
ICL Lifelong Learning
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