Welcome July! (I’m not sure how you got here so quickly, but
I’m happy to see you!)
I feel like my summer is officially beginning, despite the
fact that my kids have been out of school for over two weeks and we’ve been
down the shore (for those not from the Southeastern Pennsylvania area, that means at the beach) since
mid-June!
Summer is my favorite season (although fall is a very close
second) and I use the time to not only work on my tan and soak up some Vitamin
D, but also to set some goals and cross things off my bucket list.
And this summer is no different. The number one thing I’ve
done so far is adopt a song for the summer ~
Let it Go, from the movie Frozen.
(Ironic that my summer song is from a movie about the cold, but that’s another
post for another day!)
I’ve decided to use this summer to “let go” of my
controlling ways. I’m going to (try and) release the need to manage everything
in my path. If I can’t do it in the summer, when the living is supposed to be easy,
then when can I?
This “Let it go” attitude was tested this
past weekend, when we decided to host a mini-reunion for a group of friends
with whom my husband grew up. I bought the food and cleaned the house, but let
him control the agenda for the day. And every time I tried to take over and
suggest a few things, I stopped and started humming “Let it go” until the urge
passed. (Confession: by the end of the day, we were all sick of that song!)
But, and here’s the “aha moment,” the day
went off perfectly and I (eventually) relaxed and enjoyed myself.
I have a feeling I will be sick of this song
in a few weeks, since my family is determined to test my resolve this summer. I
am spending these next few weeks at the beach with my youngest daughter while
my husband commutes on the weekends and my two older children come and go as
their work schedules allows. Yes, it is nice that they are of at that age but
for a control freak, this means I am never sure who will be sleeping where, who
will be having friends down, and when they will be coming/going. But I’m taking
a deep breath and, yes, you guessed it, letting it go.
So, if you happen to pass
a woman in the grocery store humming that catchy Disney tune rather loudly, feel free to
stop and say hello. I’ll try and keep it down, but no guarantees!
Happy July everyone!
Happy July everyone!
*Rabbit Rabbit *
Oh this post hits home. This is the first summer since 2002 that I'm not leading the charge at swimclub. My son is coaching but not swimming and my daughter is working elsewhere. I am at sea. And trying to let go of things. Yes, he's biking himself to work. A 45 minute ride on busy streets. Yes she's working more than she's home. It's hard not to step in and volunteer to drive them. Or pack snacks and lunches. I salute you Kate. And will join you in song. Brilliant idea.
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly ~ I think letting go is especially difficult for mothers, as our primary job is to organize, coordinate and take care of everyone. Wishing you luck this summer as well! I guess it's finally "our turn" - looking forward to seeing what life will bring! Happy Summer!
DeleteI have been at that place 'being a control freak' especially with my kids but as they got older and they began to resist, I realized I was losing them. I had to step back and let go and that strategy came through prayer. It is a lot better now and I've seen remarkable improvements in our relationships. Happy summer and have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from SITS Saturday sharefest!
Thanks so much for stopping by Yvonne! You are so right! I too have found that stepping back a bit, especially w/ my older children, is healthier for my relationships with them. (Prayer is also a wonderful component in mothering!)
DeleteHappy Summer to you!
I've been thinking and trying to live out the same principles this summer. Thanks, Frozen, for the inspiration! But it is such a great reminder as we prioritize our lives and look to the future. I'm so glad I found you on SITS. I'm your latest follower!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah Ann! (Love your name! It's my daughter's exact name - same spelling of both names as well!) Thanks so much for stopping by, and the follow! Don't you love SITS!
DeleteEnjoy your summer, and best of luck w/ "letting it go!" So far, it's been working for me!
I have been practicing "Let it go" for awhile now. It's not as easy as I thought it would be. As a single Mom I was always in charge and the boss. I had to be in control. Now that my 2 boys are grown and beginning families of their own I've learned to allow My Love to make decisions, even though it is so Very hard not to butt in with my 2 cents. I begin to sit back and discover that letting go frees me up to delve into other things I can control, myself and only myself.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from SITS
Barbara @ www.allmylivesnow.com
You're so right Barbara - it is hard to let go - and butt out (especially as mothers, when we "know" we are right ;)
DeleteI love the idea that "letting go" frees us up to do other things though - I hadn't thought about that. I'm going to concentrate on that when I feel the need to control!
Thanks for stopping by! (Love all the SITS ladies!)
Have a great summer!
Letting go is almost impossible when you're a mom. I just can't help myself but to try to fix things or recommend that it is done a certain way. When we've got 20-30 years on someone you tend to think we know better, right?
ReplyDeleteYou're so right Linda. As a mother, it's difficult to let go, especially when we feel we know better. I'm starting out w/ letting go of the little things and we'll see how things go. Pick your battles, right?
DeleteThanks for reading!
Happy Summer!