It has been over 10 years since I experienced the glorious Summer Vacation, the time I looked forward to every year as a teacher.

Now that I am retired, I’d like to encourage teachers, moms, college students to breathe in the summer rhythms and embrace this time in your life.

I know so many of you have young children and think “How am I going to make it through the day?” Or “I signed up to teach Vacation Bible School, what was I thinking?” Or “Why did I sign up for another grad class?” Or “Am I lining up Field Trips for the Swim Team and committing every day to 2 practices a day?” “I thought tutoring two to three times a week was a great idea!”

Take time to relax and take care of yourself. If it means getting up super early before the kids, sit outside and watch the sunrise. If it means taking turns with a friend to watch each other’s kids so you can go for a walk or read a book or journal, do it.

Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family members for help!

Now that I’m able to sit back and reflect on those years, I treasure each day I spent with my children, the VBS children, the children I tutored, the swim team kids, the basketball campers, etc…. it was all what made Summer so special.

Embrace the rhythms of summer and live each day to the fullest.