Summer Envy

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 and it was gone. 

First, I’m looking at my calendar and acknowledging what IS on my schedule this summer. After all, I just finished my second book (“Restoring Order™ to Your Home” is coming this January!) and that’s something to celebrate! 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. Next month, my brother and his family are coming for a visit and I intend to take off the entire weekend (plus Friday!). Some friends just invited us to a cabin at the end of August. 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 went to Home Depot and bought two chaise lounges for my patio. My husband Trevor and I sat out there two nights ago and talked as the dusk fell. He put landscape lights in a few weeks ago, and the glow was so pleasant as we reclined and chatted. Just Saturday night, our friends came over and we roasted marshmallows on our new fire pit. I’m slowly working on setting up a nursery upstairs for our impending arrival this fall. I’m choosing fabrics and fiddling with furniture arrangement. My neighbor is dropping in to share advice and help me measure. Yesterday, I took my Granny to her hair appointment. To give her a change of pace, I took her to a Mexican restaurant afterwards, and delightfully watched her scarf down chips and salsa as I kept the napkins coming to her rescue. 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 Sunday and reserved the whole day at my folks’ house to enjoy the sun and water. Maybe I can work on my tan then. I just got off the phone with my friend Ginger, and we planned dinner for tomorrow night at a new restaurant with outdoor seating. My aunt and I have scheduled a date for next Saturday so we can shop together. I looked again at my calendar and noticed that I forgot I have two massage appointments coming up! 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. It’s all 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 may just buy myself a turtle shaped wading pool.