Summer can be a time when things actually do settle down—or not. We get sucked into the trap of thinking summer is endless and put off what we really want to do. We see wide open days and rush to fill them, rather than relish them.
Try to keep summer as slow as you can. How? Choose very carefully what you say yes and no to. If someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do, and your only plans are to putter in the garden, simply say, “I’m sorry, I have plans.” The more you say no to busyness, the more leisurely your summer will be. That’s hardly a profound statement—if you’re not busy, you’ll be leisurely. But how many of us can actually do the hard work of saying no?
Don’t sign your kids up for too much, if you can help it. If they are old enough to work at a job like babysitting or lawn-mowing, have them do that.
And also, explore the spiritual discipline of solitude.
With the kids home from school, solitude is harder to find. But not impossible.
4 Comments
Mmmm. Nothing like summer to relax. We’re big fans of the summer road trip, then nothingness. This year, though, no road trip. Kids are each scheduled for a week at the community college in a fun class of their choice. One’s having tonsils out. Maybe they’ll wash the dogs. And that’s IT. Yay. Maybe I’ll send some fresh tomatoes your way when they’re ripe?
Flea, that sounds like a great summmer! bring those tomatoes over and sit on the front porch, I’ll make bruschetta!!
we’re not doing any camps this year, but taking a family trip to Yellowstone. Can’t wait.
Next week I’ll be speaking Charlotte, NC. I’m taking my grown daughter with me and we are adding four days to the trip. She has a friend in Charlotte, and we’ll go to the beach, eat out, sit back, and talk. It is a rare gift, and I’m excited. Usually I fly in, fly out, and I miss the local culture and scenery. Good post, Keri.
Suz
Charlotte is beautiful, and friendly! What a great mother-daughter bonding trip! great idea.