What I learned this summer…
Summer in NY does not end until September, sometimes even October, if you go by the weather. But the unofficial end of summer is Labor Day weekend, which is one week away.
It is when children go back to school. When corporations remove more relaxed dress codes and summer Fridays. When apparently we do not wear the color white anymore (or until winter white is acceptable).
For the past decade, I spend this last week in one of my favorite places on earth: Fire Island, a barrier island to New York’s Long Island. A quintessential step back in time where all things are Americana, children ride bikes without parents hovering over them, they sell lemonade on the corner and there are no cars as you walk barefoot to the beach.
Up until this summer, it was the week I looked forward to. To laying in the sun, enjoying my family and shutting off my technology. This summer, it feels more like another fun adventure. This summer, I learned to enjoy everyday. Not to just be happy with the day, but to maximize my time, be present in those moments and truly enjoy.
So this upcoming week is not a break away anymore. Instead its the final push of fun that I have had all summer.
[ Before you read on, this is not a post about parental guilt or judgement on those who cannot, will not or do not want to be with their kids all the time. Everyone is different, and that is okay. No one is a bad parent for wanting to go to work or wanting to send their kids away from them. One of my favorite people in the world, my sister, will tell you she needs to have a sitter even if she worked because she needs a break. And I agree with her! So, just know, this is about me and the freedom of allowing myself to learn who I am. ]
I had the privilege of driving my kids to camp the entire month of August, and picking them up. Sure some rides were more about me yelling and inevitably trying to teach lessons. But most of them were music sing-a-longs, talking about the fun plans or the fun that was had, planning time together and me realizing that this made me happy.
So today, on the last day of camp, I shared excitement for the annual “burn,” a tradition where the camp directors light up towels in the shape of the year to close out another amazing summer. But I felt the sadness they felt of leaving their friends, since their day camp experience is made up of friends we do not go to school with. I am sure I will shed a tear today when I pick them up. Not just because of all of this, but because I did it. I got a whole summer of fun with my kids. I learned what helps me do my best work and what makes me - me.
Cheers to the last week of summer. I hope you fill it with the things that refill your cup. I found mine.