All around me, esteemed colleagues are reading and reflecting on professional books, tearing through #bookaday books that make them bubble with excitement, and taking coursework to advance themselves professionally.
I'm growing corn.
And carrots.
And swallowtail butterflies.
I haven't written any articles or many blog posts, but I have had a poem accepted for a new crowd-sourced anthology and I am pretty pleased with a new series of poems (code name "Wishes") I am working on for the Summer Poem Swap (and who knows what other venue).
I am healing,
celebrating good news about our test scores, and volunteering most days for our Summer Lunch program.
It's not like I've been sitting on the couch frittering my time away these past three weeks. I have to remind myself of that, remember not to beat myself up because my "did it" list isn't filled with the same things my esteemed colleagues' lists are, and continually celebrate every moment of my happy, busy, productive (on my terms) SUMMER!
At the end of the school year, I let my students know that librarians don't just read over the summer--I swim, exercise, sleep and cook more, listen to music...We have to work hard to lead a balanced life in this biz! Enjoy your summer--on your terms!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written and as important perfect reminder for me. Thanks friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. It's so easy for me to get caught up in what others are doing (which is what happens when I get on Twitter) and think that I'm not doing nearly enough. I am trying hard for that balance and remind myself daily that I don't have to do it all. This year, my garden looks the best it's ever looked and I am enjoying bike rides with my husband.
ReplyDeleteEveryone gets to choose, Mary Lee. It was nice to see you at All-Write, so glad to see your garden. The rewards will be delicious!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary Lee I am finding myself having trouble releasing the guilt that this summer is on my terms…I actually got bored one day!
ReplyDeleteYay for growing corn, healing, and breathing. There is a time for everything, and you are always amazing. Also, congratulations on all the accomplishments!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time, heal and refresh. The job we do is emotionally draining and we need to step back and shake out the cobwebs. Don't be too hard on yourself - all those journals, etc., will be there when you are ready!:)
ReplyDelete"Wishes" sounds like a great theme. I agree with Jeannine that you are amazing at all times :-)
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