I love summer! The open schedule, the longer days, the later bedtimes.

It also feels like a time of year when I need to be a little bit more creative with my resources. With the kids home more, the grocery bill has gone way up, there’s lots more temptation to spend frivolously on “fun activities” and overall a lot more “excuses” to splurge.

And of course, it’s the same story every time summer comes around. So, in an attempt to be a bit wiser with my resources, I’m trying to use what’s already right in front of me.

We’ve spent time cleaning out closets to realize there are some really fun birthday gifts that haven’t been put to good use. I’ve rediscovered the fun side of cooking with random ingredients in my freezer. And, we’re making our way through my town’s endless parks.

What I’ve loved most about this approach to summer, is that it’s opened my eyes to all the other things around me that are free and easily accessible.

Kindness is free.
Patience is free.
Understanding is free.
Laughter is free.

None of these is a drain on any of our resources and yet we can forget to spend them daily.

Sometimes we look for the latest and greatest to capture our attention or the flashiest and shiniest to solve a problem… and we end up missing what’s already right there in front of us.

Remember, most of the good stuff in life is free!

And, I believe the more that we use it, the better off we are. 

So spend some time looking around you this week and taking an inventory of what free resources you can pour into each other.  You might be pleasantly surprised by what you already have on hand.

Until next week,

-A

P.S. Speaking of free resources, have you checked out the 7 Day Relationship Challenge? It’s a free and awesome resource designed just for the two of you? Head over to my website and sign up for it today!