Have you ever stood in your kitchen, on a snowed-in or rainy day, and wondered what meal you could possibly make with a few tins in the cupboard and a few leftovers in the refrigerator? There’s not enough of anything to make any of your favorite dishes.  But, if you bring some of the tins and leftovers together, you could make a tasty pot of soup!

I think that’s what we are going to have to do over the summer months—make the best of it. So much is going on, some of it good and some of it not so good. Some of today’s events seem to foreshadow a worrisome future, while other events attempt to erase a painful past. The curve has been flattened, the experts tell us, but there might be a second wave of the virus. The economy is showing signs of life—restaurants, stores, offices are reopening, but rioting and looting are occurring in some cities and towns. People are calling for police departments to be defunded even as videos are shared of violence against seniors. What kind of summer can you expect to have with these seemingly contradictory events taking place?

The quality of your summer will depend on you. This summer can be a great one if you prepare for it by keeping these four tips in mind.

Practice mindfulness. It’s easy to get sucked into fear or anxiety, that sense that life is spiraling out of control. The negative energy you may sense around you need not become a part of you or of your life.  Occupy your mind not only with what is true but with whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable.

 Prepare for seasonal weather. If you live on the east coast, you should expect a hurricane or two between now and November 30. Now is a good time to go through your disaster preparedness checklist and to upgrade your hurricane kit. Find out from the relevant authority in your area if there are any changes to procedures or the location of storm shelters due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eat well. Review the dos and don’ts of summer eating. As increasingly more of the economy reopens, you might be able to enjoy summer barbecues and picnics. Follow food safety guidelines. Remember, also, the three main reasons why you eat:

• We eat to satisfy hunger.
• We eat to remain healthy.
• We eat because we like food or certain foods.

Get moving safely. After months of being tucked away at home, your body craves a nice walk as you soak up vitamin D. You want to see other people enjoying themselves, skating, swimming, watching ducks sail the lake. So go out and exercise, enjoy the outdoors, but continue to do so safely and wisely. Maintain the recommended six feet or two meters from non-household members; wear facial covering (but not while you are exercising); and practice good hand hygiene.

Joys are possible when we take what we have, give thanks, and make something good and satisfying. Don’t bemoan what could have been or used to be. Instead, celebrate the goodness in the now and have a beautiful summer.