"I've been waiting for this for a long time, but now I'd rather be somewhere else." This is a thought that I find rolling around in my head. It used to roll around a lot more, but every once and a while it returns.
I've learned to see it as a signal, a red flag. It reminds me I am focusing on the wrong thing, the thing that doesn't actually matter. So I do my best to STOP and then refocus.
Summers can be overwhelming. They can also get away from us. I want an intentional summer. A slow summer, a fun summer. There are only 8 weekends in our summer, and I want those 16 days to be filled with quality, life-giving and purposeful moments with my family.
As a result, here are my focal points for this summer.
1. Enjoy The Evenings. Let the kids stay up a little later and enjoy your time together as a family in the evenings. Take a walk after dinner, slow down the bedtime routine, and read a few extra books. Spending slow and intentional time together will better prepare you and your kids for a good night sleep.
2. Schedule Less. Look for things on your calendar to cancel! It can actually be quite a challenge to do nothing, but soaking up the summer with lazy days creates opportunity for you to connect more intentionally with each other. Never again will your children be these ages during the summer - enjoy it while it’s here!
3. Listen to Music. Everything is better with music! Have you noticed how music can diffuse a charged interaction and calm a fussy baby? Make a point to listen to more music this summer. I love pulling out my oldies - introducing your child to the music that you love is like sharing a story. It helps them to learn a lot about who you are and the family they were born into.
Here’s to lazy summer days with solid family connections!
Megan