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 Reclaim
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CBN.com –
Do people who have beautiful suntans -- who have
obviously been outside enjoying the summer --
leave you feeling a little envious? Is your yard
looking neglected as your neighbors are busily
tidying theirs? When people describe their boating
or camping adventures, are you longing for one of
your own?
Summer brings the promise of vigorous outdoor
activities and visions of time off relaxing with
family and fireflies. Yet, am I the only one who
sometimes feels that summer passes me by while I
am busy at work? Aren’t I supposed to have the
time for the long summer trips and sun-swept
escapades that everyone else seems to enjoy?
Summer to me sometimes feels like a wistful
indulgence reserved for squealing schoolchildren
in a wading pool.
I’m guessing that if I feel this way, some of
you may, too! Are you experiencing the ideal
summer, complete with pool parties and elaborate
vacations, or are you experiencing a little summer
envy like me? I’ve decided that I need an attitude
adjustment so I don’t get to the end of another
summer and feel like I blinked at it was gone.
First, I’m looking at my calendar and
acknowledging what IS in my schedule this summer.
I went to visit my family in Alaska over the
Fourth of July, and I visited with family, fished
for salmon, took a few boat trips, and flew in
airplanes. I introduced my 8-month-old son to some
relatives he had not yet met and enjoyed my family
spending time with him and getting to know him. In
a few weeks, I’m throwing myself a birthday party
BBQ—hey, at this age, who else is going to? Next
month, our dear friends are coming to visit for a
week and I’m taking some time with them. I’m
feeling better already that I DO have a life just
by viewing my calendar.
Next, I’m noting all the little things
I’ve done that haven’t made it onto my calendar at
all. I clipped back my roses yesterday
and made a pretty bouquet to bring inside. I took
my Granny to her hair appointment, and I took her
for lunch afterwards to pick up her favorite fish
sandwich. I held her hand as I drove her home.
Tonight we’re going to join our neighbors for some
southern jambalaya. Hmmm, as I consider these
little mundane activities, I see that they are
experienced with people I love and enjoy. Maybe my
summer isn’t as isolated as I thought.
Now, I’m going to add some things to my
schedule that I want to do by the end of summer.
I just put “Pool Day” on my calendar for next
Saturday, so I’m reserving the whole day at my
folks’ house to enjoy the sun and water with my
husband and son. While I was on a roll, I scrolled
ahead for the remaining weeks of summer and added
a few more pool days as well. On Wednesday evening
I think I’ll push the stroller down to the summer
concert series in our town. I’m seeing that my
summer may not include elaborate three-week
vacations, but I am in fact doing a pretty good
job living my priorities this season.
Perhaps like me, you might need to give up on
having an idealized summer and instead check out
how you’re using your time. Living an ordered life
isn’t just about having a neat home; it’s about
living on purpose now!
Forget about what summer is supposed to be like,
or the things other people get to do. Look at even
the ordinary, daily happenings to count your
blessings and resolve to be acutely present in
those moments. Make room for impromptu gatherings
with neighbors and friends. Even if you can’t go
(or have no interest in) camping, roast up a
s’more in the fireplace. Go for a walk, smell the
fresh-cut grass, and tune into the sound of birds
chirping their summer song. Add into your schedule
people and activities you truly love.
Today, I ended my summer envy. I might just
skip out to greet the ice cream man next time I
hear his truck.
Adapted from:
Restoring Order™ copyright © 2006 by Vicki Norris
(available now at
www.RestoringOrder.com and in July 2007 as
Reclaim Your Life™. Copyright © 2007). Published
by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR. Used by
permission.
About the Author: Vicki
Norris is an expert organizer, business owner,
speaker, television personality, and author who
inspires people to live out their priorities. She
is author of Reclaim Your Life™ © 2007 by Vicki
Norris (available now at
www.RestoringOrder.com) and of Restoring
Order™ to Your Home, © 2007, a room-by-room
household organizing guide, both published by
Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR. Norris is a
regular on HGTV’s nationally syndicated Mission:
Organization, and is a recurrent source and
contributor to national lifestyle publications
including Quick & Simple magazine, Better Homes &
Gardens, and Real Simple magazine. |
