Like it or not, summer is winding down. Many have already returned to work or school, settling back into their routines. As the pressures of daily life resume, memories of summer’s leisure and relaxation can quickly fade. What lessons from summer vacation are worth carrying with us into the fall season?
Summer Inspiration
Recently, while on vacation, I came across this image:
These three words—float, swim, listen—caught my attention. Most likely, they were intended simply as suggestions for enjoying time at the beach. But as I pondered them, I realized they could also serve as helpful reminders for everyday life.
~~~ FLOAT ~~~
How often do we allow ourselves to float through 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, but in return it can bring a sense of lightness and serenity.
For many of us, life requires a fair amount of “pushing through.” We make lists, evaluate priorities, manage schedules, give instructions, and otherwise try to 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 are not ultimately in control of how events unfold. An unexpected development may upend our plans. A sudden illness may leave us unable to function as we normally would. A friend, family member, or coworker may suddenly need our time or help. When situations like these present themselves, rather than fighting against them, our best response may be to float for a while and see what happens.
For example, imagine that you fall off a boat in the middle of the ocean. Your first instinct might be to swim to shore. But if you are far out at sea, with no realistic chance of swimming to dry land, it might be better to roll onto your back and float. Hopefully, help will arrive or the current will carry you in a safer direction. While you wait for circumstances to change, floating allows you to conserve your energy.
When the day seems to be falling apart, think about the idea of floating. What might floating look like in this situation? Is there a way to step back from the challenge? Perhaps there is a way to adjust course or alter your approach. Maybe the best thing to do is wait for clarity, even if only for a short time. Floating allows us to catch our breath while deciding on our next wise step.
~~~ SWIM ~~~
Submerging yourself in water is one of the great pleasures of a summer day. Whether it’s a pool, lake, or ocean, it can be refreshing and invigorating. In my case, I avoid the water until I am very, very hot. Only then am I willing to take the plunge.
Most of us have long lists of things we’d like to accomplish. Despite our good intentions, we tend to put off projects that are difficult or stressful. After all, daily demands are always tugging at us, so it can be tempting to avoid things we don’t have to–or simply don’t want to do.
Nevertheless, I have observed that even the most dedicated procrastinators periodically experience a surge of energy for a long-delayed task. Maybe you simply can’t stand that ugly carpet for one minute, so you jump up and start pulling it up from the corners. Perhaps your car breaks down one time too many, so you decide to start shopping for a new one that weekend.
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 your goal, preferably one that requires enough of an investment of time, space, or effort that you won’t be tempted to quit.
~~~ LISTEN ~~~
One word that could be used to describe modern life is “frenzied.” We are constantly surrounded by fast-paced visuals and sounds competing for our attention. The pressure to multitask is so strong that we rarely allow ourselves the privilege of giving anything, or anyone, our full, undistracted attention.
True listening requires focused attention. Have you ever been in a crowd when someone asks, “Do you hear that?” Suddenly, the group grows quiet and still as everyone tries to identify the sound. Similarly, have you ever been talking to someone who is checking his/her phone while you’re speaking? They may say, “I’m listening,” but you can tell that they really aren’t.
People who truly listen are often well informed and well liked. Listening without an agenda can open us to surprises, wisdom, and new perspectives. When we feel overwhelmed, it might be time to stop pressuring ourselves to have all the answers and instead slow down and listen. You never know where the next great idea, insight, or solution might come from.
* * *
Did you get a chance to step away from the action this summer? What lessons—or perhaps what words—do you want to 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 🙂
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.
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.
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:)