WASTING THE SUMMER (?)
I saw an Instagram Reel featuring a teacher influencer in which he mourns the loss of summer now that July 4th is over. It’s true, for teachers, Independence Day does mark a pivotal milestone in the progression of summer…even though it’s not even halfway through summer vacation. (At the time I am sending this, I am now over halfway with only five weeks left of my eleven week break…woe is me).
It does feel like the upcoming school year is no longer creeping up, but sprinting. As a teacher and writer, I cherish my summers. It’s time to spend with my children, catch up on my reading and viewing, and focus on my author endeavors. Except this year, I feel like I haven’t done enough author endeavoring. Sure, I’ve held a few Road Trip Trivia programs at libraries and bookstores, I’ve dropped off my books at other locations throughout the state and beyond, and I’ve embarked on a social media journey to post every day on Facebook, but have I really done enough?
One of my (many) personal flaws is that I feel like I need to constantly be productive in order to place positive value on my time. This, of course, makes it very difficult for me to relax. Haven’t I wasted an entire day if I’ve been reading on the couch for most of it? If I at least clean the toilets, I’ve done something valuable, right?
This is flawed thinking. I know that, but it’s still a struggle to FEEL that.
So what else have I done with my summer that has value? My husband and I took the kids to Okoboji, he and I took a trip just the two of us to Vancouver Island (amazing!), I’ve read numerous books including the masterpiece that is Kathryn Stockett’s The Calamity Club, we hung out with neighbors and set off fireworks for the holiday, and we’ve spent tons of time bicycling, visiting the library, watching movies, and just hanging out.
This is all of value.
I haven’t been wasting the summer.
I’ve been experiencing the summer, recovering the summer, living the summer.
Look at that. One word changes an entire perspective.
(And that’s why we authors can waste–I mean, invest–so much time on word choice.)
So while I try not to dread the end of summer, I do plan on spending some days selling and promoting my books, while also spending some days just enjoying the stillness and unproductivity…but just a few.
Read ahead to check out what my summer looks like and maybe I’ll see you around. Either way, I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer spending it however you see fit.
Updated title: LIVING THE SUMMER!
