Like it or not, summer is drawing to a close. Many have already returned to work or school, getting back into the groove. As the pressures of the daily routine resume, memories of summer, leisure and vacation can quickly fade.
Recently, I was on a vacation and saw this image:
These three words – float, swim, listen – caught my attention. Most likely, they were intended as suggestions for a person enjoying some time at the beach. However, as I pondered them, I realized they could be even more helpful reminders in my normal, day-to-day life.
~~~ FLOAT ~~~
How often do we float in life? Floating implies release, letting go of control and allowing something bigger than ourselves to surround and uplift us. To float requires a measure of surrender and vulnerability, which then provides lightness and serenity in return.
For many of us, our lives require a fair amount of “pushing through.” We make lists, evaluate priorities, manage schedules, provide instructions and otherwise direct the events of our day. All of these tasks are important and helpful. At the same time, it is helpful to remember that we really are not in control of how events unfold. An unexpected development may thwart our plans. A sudden illness may render us incapable of functioning. A friend, family member or coworker may require our time or service.
If you were to fall off of a boat in the middle of the ocean, you might try to swim to shore. But if you were far at sea, with no realistic chance of swimming to dry land, the best option might simply be to roll over and float. Hopefully, help would arrive or the tide would push you in the right direction. If nothing else, you would have conserved your energy, given yourself time to regroup and possibly enjoyed a beautiful view.
This is helpful to bear in mind when the day seems to be falling apart. It may be possible to adjust course and still achieve an intended objective, but it might be wiser to relinquish the plan and simply see what unfolds.
~~~ SWIM ~~~
Submerging your body in water is one of the great pleasures of a summer day. Whether it is in a pool, a lake or an ocean, taking a swim can be refreshing and invigorating. Typically, I need to be in “in the mood” to go for a swim. Mostly, I enjoy swimming after I have been lying on a beach and gotten very hot. When the sun is shining, the breeze isn’t too stiff, and the water is the perfect temperature, I will dive in.
Most of us have long lists of things we’d like to get done. In spite of good intentions, we tend to repeatedly put off tackling projects that are difficult or stressful. After all, daily demands are always tugging at us, so avoiding things we don’t really have to do is tempting. However, I have observed that most people periodically experience a surge of energy for a long-delayed task. Maybe you simply can’t stand that ugly carpet one minute longer so you jump up and start pulling it up from the corners. Possibly your car breaks down one time too many so you decide to start shopping for a new car over the upcoming weekend. Perhaps you get frustrated that you can’t zip up your favorite pants and decide it is finally time to go on a diet.
There is an old phrase, “Strike while the iron is hot.” Whatever the impetus, if you find yourself wanting to “finally get it done,” harness that energy and dive in. Take a tangible step toward a desired goal, preferably one that requires enough of an investment (time, space, energy) that you won’t be tempted to quit.
~~~ LISTEN ~~~
One word that could be used to describe modern living is “frenzied.” It seems like events unfold rapidly, visual images pass by rapidly and there is constant noise. The pressure to multitask is so strong, we rarely allow ourselves the privilege of giving anything or anyone our full, undistracted attention.
True listening requires solitary focus. Have you ever been in a crowd when someone asked, “Do you hear that?” Suddenly, the group goes silent and still as everyone tries to hear the sound. Similarly, have you ever been talking to someone who is checking his/her phone while you are speaking? They may say, “I’m listening!” but you can tell they really are not.
People who truly listen are typically well informed and well liked. Listening without an agenda can bring surprises, wisdom, laughter and perspective. When we feel that sense of overwhelm encroaching, it might be time to slow down, turn off a few noises and listen.
* * * * *
Did you get a chance to step away from the action this summer? What words do you think you might carry with you into the fall?
Aw, listening is something I couldn’t agree more that I think vacation or not we need to do more of. As for us here, summer is still going on and my kids don’t go back to school until the Wednesday after Labor Day. So, I am still trying to enjoy all that I can while I can, as well as listen as much as possible, too. Oh and by the way, I can honestly say that having a week off to go to Disney once again this summer with my gang was amazing, but wished for a bit more. So, we have decided to go back for a shorter trip in November around my younger girl’s birthday (around thanksgiving time). And you bet I will be tuning out and enjoying that time off with them, too 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted…21 Fun Rock Crafts for Kids
Summer is always too short! I hate seeing the days get shorter. However, I can carry a little summer with me back into the fall, right? I think this is why I keep the shells I collect in a jar next to my bathtub – a visual reminder to float, swim and listen! Glad you will get to go back to Disney in November… that is the PERFECT weather time!!
Very observant, Seana. Great job. My summer phrase takeaway is “the sunshine is key to a healthy life.” This summer we rented a house and spent every day outside, biking, sunbathing, walking, Kayaking, taking a boat ride tour, and spending time with each other. We returned relaxed, rejuvenated, and feeling a lot better. We all had fewer aches and pains too. And, have continued our daily sunshine visit every day since then. And, of course, we are protecting our skin too. =)
I am a “soul sister” on that phrase, Sabrina. I tell everyone in my family that the sun makes everything better. I spend as much time in it as possible all summer long. I get kind of sad in the winter… might need to get one of those lights! Your summer rental sounds like a slice of heaven. Where did you rent?
Summer’s not my favorite season, but it nearly always brings opportunities to reflect on what we like and don’t like about our regular routine. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
The pace of summer can provide that opportunity for sure. Sometimes we are so busy looking ahead that we fail to carry the tidbits of wisdom along on the journey. What a treat to have moments to reflect – at any time of year! What is YOUR favorite season?
I think “float” hit a nerve for me. I had to float on my vacation for a few days when my migraines took me to my knees. Thankfully my family are used to them, but not this bad, we all had to float for a few days and just be. It didn’t ruin the vacation, it just changed it.
Jill Robson recently posted…How to tell if you are Staging or Organizing
Illness is a major “life interrupter.” We have issues in our family as well, and I know how quickly they can require a change of plans. So sorry to hear that you struggle with migraines. They can be debilitating. I wish we had better solutions for them, and so many other illnesses. Living with a chronic situation makes us more patient and compassionate (I hope!) Sometimes, you’ve just got to release a bit and go with the situation as it unfolds. Hope you have a headache free rest of your summer, Jill!
Summer was so great for me, spend so much time with the boys. Thanks for sharing
That is precious time, Offir. I think I disliked the kids going back to school as much as they did. It got pretty quiet once they left:)
As you know, summer is not my favorite season and I’m happy to bid it farewell, but your points are so very true. Your thoughts under “swim” struck me as similar to the Stages of Change Model I blogged about last week. Striking while the iron is hot equates to the action stage and when you feel that motivation surge is the time to jump in and make it happen!
Yes, I think we are identifying that same stage. It does happen that something we’ve been avoiding suddenly becomes attractive to tackle. Knowing that this stage will come takes some of the pressure off. At the same time, if a task has been delayed too long, we might need a little help acquiring the necessary motivation.
Truly love these words and how they share the story of being organized and productive. Thank you for sharing!
I love them too… still pondering them a week later:)
Strong and important words that will guide you to happiness and help you achieve your goals.
Sunny regards,
Sunny thoughts back to you, TJ. I know we both “feel the love” from that wonderful sunshine. Staying positive makes all the difference!
Thank you for the reminder to simply float when the situation warrants it. I tend to be the one fighting to push the boulder up the hill, but that’s not always the best choice. I needed the reminder, Seana, thank you.
Susan Santro recently posted…Summer Project Ideas and Recipes
I think we have all spent time pushing that boulder, right? It just exhausts us and rolls back down.. sometimes on our head! There are times when pushing is the right move, but also seasons where a little floating may be the best use of time and energy. Have a great day, Susan!!
I can’t go over your professional ability to see amazing analogies and metaphors. It’s a gift! I don’t give myself enough time to float, for SURE. And I think my listening could use work too.
Float, float, float… it is such a wonderful thing! Especially as we squeeze as much joy as we can from these last days of summer. I hate when summer ends!
I love, love, LOVE what you’ve done with these three, simple words. Beautifully written, Seanna!
Aww… THANK YOU, Marcia! You are such a master of words that your affirmation means the world to me! Hope you have a wonderful weekend:)