How are you handling the fullness of summer? Hopefully you are able to enjoy it thoroughly, especially in the northern hemisphere where it lasts a short time. My summer schedule has been hectic for the last five years due to some teaching that I do at this time of year. As many times as I’ve managed the program, it still ends up feeling crazy. My other work continues, my birthday celebrations arrive, the fireworks competition is on four nights, and more. I find myself running from one thing to another and carrying it in my head no matter how much I write down and get done.
This year, I decided to label July and August in a way that gives me a sense of peace and clarity. July to early August represents the fullness of summer. There is a bounty of things to do and the sun shines gloriously begging for us to enjoy it. Knowing what this time is, the best thing to do is ride it like one of those gigantic waves they have in Hawaii. Go with the flow because it is flowing!
And then, the last half of August can be relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation. I had a manager once that took the whole of August off to relax with his family. They took loads of books and did a lot of hiking. Back then, I thought that was a long time to just “hang out”, but now I think it sounds splendid. A whole month to really let go, deal with boredom (!), and become so clear, that by September, work may sound like the perfect solution! I actually don’t have a month I can take off at this time, but what I can do is sit with the August theme and soak it in as much as I can. Fortunately I’ll have some time away which will be the real key to feeling away from day-to-day life.
So try the recipe: July – enjoy the blast! And August – return to your self.
Fantastic picture of the fireworks!