Working Strategies: Independence Day and New Year’s resolutions

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Amy Lindgren

Hey, it’s nearly Independence Day: How’s it going with your New Year’s resolutions?

Talk about a non sequitur. Probably the last thing on your mind is that list of goals you made in the depth of winter, when the sky would always grow dark before you even started dinner.

Of course, that’s exactly the reason to think about those resolutions now, even while you’re planning beach trips and barbecues. The less front-of-mind your goals are, the more important it is to revive them.

So now for the fun stuff: Moving ahead in life and enjoying the independence that gives you. And there we have the connection to Independence Day. When we reach our goals, we gain freedom from whatever it is holding us back.

Not only that, but the Fourth of July holiday happens to fall almost exactly midway through the year, making it an excellent time for a check-in.

Ready? Here are five steps for ensuring you’re on track (or for getting yourself back on track, if not):

1. Find your list of goals from January: This first step could be the hardest, depending on your level of organization. But once you’ve found the list, you can move on to Step 2.

2. Check your progress: Were there multi-step goals that need several stages to complete? If yes, it’s time to check where you are in that series of steps. For example, if the goal was to finish that last semester of college that you’ve been putting off, you know the steps are going to include things like meeting with an admissions counselor and getting a copy of your old transcript. So, did you?

3. Toss out the lame-duck goals: If any of your goals were tied to something you’re no longer involved in, or don’t care about anymore, it’s time to cross them off the list. For example, if you wanted to join a certain committee at work but actually changed jobs instead, that goal is obviously not needed anymore.

Along the same lines, you can also eliminate goals connected to things you’re no longer interested in, such as specific hobbies. Pruning your list at mid-year is a good way to create space for the goals that really matter to you.

4. Triage the remaining goals: Suppose you now have 10 goals on your list, after crossing off three or four. Which of these is the most important to you? The second-most important? Rank the remaining goals and then re-arrange them in order with the most important first.

Okay, deep breath. Now cut the bottom half of the list. In the example where you had 10 goals after the initial pruning, you will now have five after tossing the bottom half of the list. These are the goals you’re committing to for the remainder of the year, with the other five going to the side for the moment.

If that feels radical, consider that it’s better to complete five goals than to not complete 10. In other words, you get points for completion, not for having a long list.

5. Schedule the required steps on your calendar: This is where things get real. Using the example of going back to school, now you must list the steps that goal would require. For example, in addition to meeting with an admissions counselor and ordering your transcript, you’ll also need to explore ways to pay for tuition and perhaps talk with your boss about changing your schedule to accommodate classes.

Whatever your goals, the assignment is the same: Identify the necessary steps, then assign each one to a specific day on the calendar. When you do this, the steps become commitments rather than a vague idea of something you have to get around to, which helps ensure you actually move forward in the process — and in your life.

Building the momentum

Not everyone is a natural goal-setter — perhaps most people aren’t, in fact. That’s the reason that simple processes like this can be so important. They help you gain momentum while keeping the project as low-key as possible.

But what if you didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions last January? That’s easy: Do it now instead. These can become half-year goals, or you can shift your concept of “new year” to be July 1-June 30, the way some government agencies do.

As long as you’re moving forward to achieve your dreams and goals, you’ll be on track this Independence Day. It’s your chance to take control in your life and celebrate that freedom.

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Amy Lindgren owns a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com.

Washington County to switch over to .gov domain extension on Monday

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Washington County’s new website, which has a “.gov” extension, goes into effect on Monday.

The county government is moving from co.washington.mn.us to a new, more secure domain — washingtoncountymn.gov — and updating each county employee’s email address with the new domain extension.

The new website address complies with Federal Homeland Security recommendations. It also creates consistency with other government organizations, builds public trust in the website, and takes advantage of enhanced security features that come with “.gov” domains, county officials said.

The “.gov” extension can be used only by U.S.-based government organizations. It is managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which provides layers of security that other domains such as “.com,” “.org” and “.us” do not, officials said.

The public can continue using the former website address, www.co.washington.mn.us, which will automatically redirect to washingtoncountymn.gov. This fall, the county will transition all county email addresses to the washingtoncountymn.gov address.

Washington County Library’s website address will not change. It remains www.washcolib.org.

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Like to paddle? Marine on St. Croix boat show is for you.

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An array of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, bateaus, dinghies and other people-powered boats will be on display next month in Marine on St. Croix.

The fourth annual Canoe & Paddle Crafts Show will be 5-8 p.m. July 9 at Burris Park in Marine on St. Croix. More than 40 boats will be on display, some historic, some created by legendary canoe craftsmen.

“With our local collection of storied paddle craft, it’s pretty easy lifting to host a boat show like this,” said Kevin Nyenhuis, one of the organizers of the event.

Co-organizer Bill Simpson “has paddled more water than most and knows the stories and history of so many canoe builders and boat designs, so this was an event waiting to happen,” Nyenhuis said. “The park will be a living history lesson of paddle craft.”

The event, which is free and open to the public, will include a paddle-making demonstration, music and a spoken-word program.

Speakers include author Angie Hong, who will read from her new book, “Exploring the St. Croix Valley”, a comprehensive guide to the St. Croix Riverway and its 8,000-square-mile watershed. Officials from Wild Rivers Conservancy, Wilderness Inquiry and the Marine Mills Folk School also will be on hand.

Marine on St. Croix has a public St. Croix River canoe access, so attendees are encouraged to “bring a canoe for a paddle on the river,” Nyenhuis said. Attendees also are invited to bring a picnic dinner. The Brookside Bar and Grill will have a special carry-out menu.

For more information, e-mail Curt Moe at moe.curt@gmail.com.

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Are national seashores summer’s best kept secret?

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By Lisa Wells, Food Drink Life

If a beach destination is in your summer trip plans, national seashores might just be the hidden gems you’ve been searching for. With beautiful natural beaches, unmatched views, historic settings and sparkling waters, national seashores give you beach parks on every coast for the perfect sand, sun and waves vacation this summer.

Among the many monuments and natural spaces that make up America’s National Park System, the U.S. has 10 national seashores. These beaches and barrier islands are protected from development and are part of the National Park Service’s preservation efforts. This means that you will find pristine beaches, uninterrupted nature, historic lighthouses and plenty of water activities at these seashores.

The beach is already a top vacation destination – 62% of Americans want to head to the coast for their next vacation, according to USA Today’s 2024 travel survey. If you are one of those people, the beaches at a national seashore have sand and water for relaxation and recreation.

Each offers a unique combination of beautiful views, walking and biking trails, camping, abundant plant and animal species and historical significance. With less commercialism, national seashores can also offer an escape from crowds. This summer, plan a vacation to one of the national seashores.

National seashores on the Atlantic coast

Seven of the Park Service’s national seashores are on the east coast, encompassing hundreds of miles of shoreline from Florida to New England. Head to one of these beach retreats or string together a few for a summer road trip.

Canaveral National Seashore

The barrier island that makes up Canaveral National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on the east coast of Florida. Canaveral is located east of Orlando and has plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing and camping.

A surfer waits to catch a wave just after sunrise at Playalinda Beach in Titusville, Florida, on October 13, 2023. (Photo by GREGG NEWTON/Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images)

With its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, Playalinda Beach at Canaveral National Seashore offers a prime viewing spot for rocket launches. Launch days are often busy, so plan to get to the seashore early.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

The Cumberland Island National Seashore is located just south of Jekyll Island, Georgia. The island can only be reached by the passenger ferry or a private boat. Once on the island, there are almost 10,000 acres of wilderness to explore, including beaches and marshlands. Guided tours give an educational view of the generations of people who have lived on the island.

If you want to extend your stay on Cumberland Island, reserve a spot at one of the island’s five campgrounds. There are options for both campsites and wilderness camping.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks in North Carolina boast two national seashores. Cape Hatteras National Seashore has countless water and beach activities. Coquina Beach is known for its large sand dunes and gorgeous secluded beach. The barrier islands are also home to three historic lighthouses and offer the opportunity to climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Cape Lookout National Seashore, the other seashore on the Outer Banks, is accessible by ferry. Once there, view the herd of wild horses, drive on the barrier islands with a permit, observe wildlife around the area or spend the day simply enjoying the sun and sand on the island’s 56 miles of beaches. Although Cape Lookout Lighthouse is closed for climbing in 2024, the Keeper’s Cottage remains open.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore, located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, is home to one of America’s few herds of wild horses.

People approach horses at the Assateague Island National Seashore near Berlin, Maryland on November 27, 2015. (KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images)

Approximately 100 horses graze on the meadows and beaches, providing a majestic sight for visitors. The park also has hiking, biking, fishing and water recreation. Beach camping is available on the Maryland side of this national seashore.

Cape Cod National Seashore

Six beaches welcome visitors at Cape Cod National Seashore. Located on Cape Cod peninsula in Massachusetts, this national seashore is the perfect escape in the summer. Hike, bike and fish at the beach. You can also stroll through almost 2,000 acres of the Peaked Hill Bars sand dunes and the historic dune shacks.

Fire Island National Seashore

Located on a barrier island off the coast of Long Island, New York, Fire Island National Seashore is easily reachable by ferry and car. Relax at Fire Island with some birdwatching, beachcombing or fishing. You can also explore salt marshes, maritime forests and the Fire Island Lighthouse.

Gulf Coast national seashores to visit this summer

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of two seashores along the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf Islands spans Florida and Mississippi and is the largest national seashore at 160 miles long. The park comprises several Mississippi and Florida islands with access to different areas of the park possible by car and ferry.

Stunning white sand beaches and warm emerald waters at Gulf Islands are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. Historic Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, and Ship Island offer exhibits and programs.

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Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi, Texas offers another access point to the Gulf Coast. Counted as one of America’s 10 best beaches in 2023 by the Independent, this untouched barrier island boasts swimming, kayaking, camping and hiking along over 60 miles of coastline. Nature abounds as well with the release of baby sea turtles between June and August and hundreds of migratory bird species passing through.

Point Reyes National Seashore on the West Coast

The Pacific coast is home to Point Reyes National Seashore, the only national seashore on the west coast. Point Reyes is located north of San Francisco, making it a perfect stop on a Highway 1 road trip.

The Point Reyes seashore includes 80 miles of shoreline and stunning views from the rocky headlands. Elephant seals and tule elk are a few of the thousand species that live in the area. A network of hiking trails will take you through grasslands, forests, waterfalls and beaches.

The Point Reyes Lighthouse is a must-visit stop at this national seashore. Built in 1870, the lighthouse is well known today for the 313 steps visitors must climb down to reach the light. Tamara Tsaturyan from Thriving In Parenting recalls, “Climbing down and back up the stairs to the lighthouse was a huge challenge. It was so worth it though with a breathtaking view of the mighty and wild ocean from the top.”

Travel to America’s national seashores this summer

From the sandy stretches of beach and barrier islands of the national seashores on the Atlantic to the picturesque cliffs of Point Reyes National Seashore, these destinations are among the best kept secrets of beach vacations. Explore these unforgettable seashores this summer for the ultimate beach trip.

Lisa Wells is a travel, food and lifestyle writer and photographer who has traveled across 37 countries. As the founder of Coastal Wandering, she shares her love for laid-back beach living with stories, recipes, and tips for a relaxed coastal lifestyle.