Is it just me or does anyone else get into the usual tug of war between back to school and holding on dearly to every last bit of summer? I know if you are a teacher you definitely feel the struggle. Every year, I always know that the summertime is going to fly by and I try to maximize it as much as possible but the struggle is real on finding balance when you are a working mom or even a stay at home mom. You have to continue to work or manage your household but all you want to do is hang at the pool or beach with your kiddos.
As mine get older, I realize this more and more. I am notorious for not taking as much vacation time as I should. I manage a portfolio of clients and have a small team so I have a hard time disconnecting without thinking the world is going to end without me. Not literally but you get my drift. Maybe it is the control freak in me but then when I am not at the office, I feel the angst of having to check in and make sure there are no major fires. All this to say, I know I am not alone.
Even as I look ahead at our remaining 3 weeks until school starts, my brain is on overload with what we still need for back to school and school registration but wanting to get as many fun activities on the calendar as possible. We didn’t have any major vacation plans due to some scheduling conflicts and I forget how hard that is. By the end of the summer, I am usually left feeling burnt out rather than renewed from time off.
Even though a last minute vacation is unlikely at this point, I am making a conscious effort to plan a few more fun days for the kids that will help us take in and enjoy every last bit of the season. Fortunately or unfortunately for us, our summer heat usually lasts through the month of October and sometimes through November. While this makes for some hot school days, it also allows us to maximize the warm weather outside on the weekends and holidays. Yes, we actually start school 3 weeks before Labor Day weekend!
So, here’s to some time at the lake, the beach, the fair and of course, poolside over these next few weeks with the conscious effort to be present and make the most of the time. I know all too well how fast each season of life passes these days so my intent to make the best use of the time is where I have my sights set. Hope everyone is soaking up these precious summer days and mom moments.