Summer Break

07.23

Should everyone big and small be given a summer break?

This idea that you work hard with a start and an end to then be granted time off should not just be for someone growing up. Why do adults just think that we can work work work without time to reflect and relax? I was able to get a “summer break” this year but not for the typical reasons. Sure in technicalities I had a break from work that happened over the summer calendar months but this was from having a baby not a granted get out of school moment. Now that it is time to go back to work I would be lying if I said I didn’t have the return to school feelings both good and bad but its interesting to look at these feelings from 10,000 ft above.

My break had its growing pains, sleepless nights, and time in the sun (just like the old days) but for different circumstances. As I am returning back to work I did buy myself a new notebook and consider getting a new bag, yes… just like I did every July from age 5 to 18. I also read books, which never happens during the school year and I had lazy days of just lounging around when it is too hot to even think about not being in AC. This comparison of my new life to what old “summer me” actually is very comforting. It is nice to experience newness with a sense of the old still around.

This summer I became a new evolution of myself. I have a new identity now. I am no longer what I was in the spring but also do not know yet what I will become and I am excited to see where the next few months will lead me. Earlier this year I was listening to a podcast where they were talking about how Motherhood is really just like being a teenager where you experience so much change in such a short amount of time that then requires your body, mind, and soul time to get used to. I am not sure when I will feel like I am used to this new feeling and/or me but I have an inclination that I will know when I know. What I am taking away is to really be present for all of this change and growth. Be present both with myself, my little one, my family, and my work. Nothing is the same and it shouldn’t be. That is what summer break is for, to grow and change ahead of a new year.

The magic of Summer is also the beauty of being slow and letting life take you on a journey. I think this is something we should yes reminder ourselves ever year even as adults but also every month no matter the season. I want to make and create this kind of magic at work again, I want to make magic with my family, I want to make magic finding my style and identity again, and I want to make magic for everyone around me. This really has been what motherhood has taught me. That the simplest and purest moments are what matters.

So here is to new inspiration, new seasonal memories, new weather patterns (hopefully it cools down here at some point), and to manifestation of the unknown. Even though there are always the feeling of the blues at the end of summer (no matter the age) the fact that a fresh start is here allows the blues to turn into sunshine.

Here is my literal mood board of what I want my new “school” season to feel like.

// To answer my question above - - yes I think everyone should get a break to just be, not just during our forced school years.