As the weather warms up, we begin to think of the end of school and sliding into summer. For some, that’s a blessing; for others, it may feel like a curse. Your perspective may depend on whether or not you have children at home, how you’ve been faring so far, and whether or not you like the heat.
When I worked at a high school, ‘sliding into summer’ meant holding it together until graduation day, taking a few days afterward to tie up loose ends, and then taking a much-needed vacation for a few weeks before beginning all over again in September.
My happy place: Anywhere on, in, or near water.
Over the past year and a half, I think we’ve all been trying to hold it together, whether that has to do with finances, work, relationships, priorities, or health… and that’s stressful! We need to give ourselves that same grace we might extend to others in similar situations.
Summer is a time to relax, refresh and reboot.
Relaxing involves slowing down… our minds, our bodies, and our spirits. For those of us in overdrive, that may be easier said than done. It means enjoying the simple things. Focusing on the basics a-la-Maslow’s-Hierarchy-of-Needs: proper nutrition, adequate sleep, feeling safe, having healthy relationships. Challenge yourself to let go of perfectionism … at least for a little while, and be content with ‘good enough’. Activities such as picnics and barbecues can help with this.
Refreshing ourselves is unique to everyone. What floats my boat may not float yours. Let’s face it, we’re all looking pretty rough right now and could use a refresh. Practice healthy self-care: read a good book, learn a new hobby, return to a much-loved childhood activity, or make time to be alone, if only for a few hours at a time.
Rebooting is necessary when our lives have been out of balance, especially for those of us who tend to fall into the all-or-nothing category. By shutting down and powering up again, we have an opportunity to recalibrate. We need balance in every aspect of our lives. Given the past year and the numerous restrictions imposed on us, I’m sure we’d all like to go to the other extremes of pleasure and freedom. For a brief period, that may be helpful but to live there could be catastrophic. Balance is not something we have; it’s something we create. It’s examining what is and isn’t within our control and accepting what we can and cannot change. Hmmm … that sounds like The Serenity Prayer ☺
As you slide into summer, please take time to relax, refresh, reboot and reflect on what is important to you … and dream big!
Until next time,