Inspiration and resources for balance before burnout

The “weekend” we call summer vacation.

The rhythm of the weekend, with its birth, its planned gaieties, and its announced end, followed the rhythm of life and was a substitute for it.  ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

I was out at the beach spending a few hours in the glorious sunshine with a friend from school today when she introduced me to a family friend who also is a teacher.  When asked about how her summer vacation was going she took that common deep breath, and replied with how summer was like the weekend.

She went on to explain how June is like Friday, July is like Saturday and August is so Sunday.  This was perfect!

In June we are finishing our school year and excited for the possibilities the "weekend" has to offer.  We are often exhausted from a long and tiring"work week", but feel we must start the "weekend"off with a bang.

This takes us into July, the Saturday of summer.  We have trouble getting anything done first thing.  We are happy to laze around and follow our own inner time clock.  Some of us are up with the sun, using every waking moment to get things done, while others like to sleep late, lounge around, and refresh.  Monday seems so far away until August sneaks up on us.

August is the Sunday of summer vacation.  We remember what we planned on getting done and make preparations for the coming "work week".  There is often a bit of sadness and often denial that comes as the "day" progresses,that is mixed with the excitement of the potential of a fresh start.

How do we use this "Sunday" to prepare for the coming school year?

• If you've been working or just very busy during your summer, be sure to use some time for a day of rest.  Our quiet time alone helps us to hear what our inner self needs.  It is also a great way to spark our creativity as we get ready to plan.

• Clear some space for the new.  If July was all about the fun, now is the time to do a little work on clearing out the old that wasn't serving your purpose.  This might mean physically clearing out the old papers, old books or junk.  It might also mean clearing out duties that consume your time, but don't match you values or vision.  And it also might mean taking care of the little things that have been bugging you, like a leaky faucet, a messy trunk, or a broken drawer.  Little things like these zap our energy.

• Sundays are the time to look at the week ahead and iron our clothes, pack our lunches, etc.  In August it's time to make sure we have what we need to begin the year successfully.  Stock up on supplies, write out new habits you'd like to start, and organize your supplies, clothing, and daily resources so the new routine runs smoothly.

• Breathe.  If the end of summer is a difficult transition for you, please try to remember that while we can't control everything, we can do a great deal to create the autumn of your dreams.  What can you do to add pleasure to your fall routine.  Where can you set boundaries and find more time for you?  Take control and be a life creator!  Don't let the rest of the world decide your life for you.

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