What is the spring/summer focus for 2021--what will I choose?
Typically, in years past, I was already planning for the school year ahead by setting goals, choosing courses for summer study, re-organizing the classroom, and ordering supplies while closing out the current year with a number of big projects and celebratory events. The work kept me busy for about 80 hours a week for 34 years--it was a mighty and positive task.
Now, past the teaching chapter of my life, there is time to catch-up on the life I put on hold while I was doing all that teaching work. For example, one sacrifice I made as a teacher, was in the area of friendships. I simply couldn't keep up with my many friends during the teaching/parenting years--I didn't have the time or mental energy, but now, without all the duties of teaching to focus on, I have time to rekindle those valuable friendships. Looking back, I wish I had recognized the toll that parenting and teaching at the same time would take on friendships, and instead of giving up so many friendships, I wish I had repositioned those relationships with regular reunions to keep us connected while also recognizing that there simply wasn't a lot of time to get together.
Now, though, I have the time to spend with those valued friends. For example, two days this week, I took hikes with friends from my college and post-college days. It was great to reconnect, tell stories, catch up, and even support one another with our lifeways today as we parent young adult children, care for our aging parents, renew the relationships we have with the people we love and partner with, and adventure too.
So, part of the spring/summer focus 2021 is a focus on rekindling valued friendships.
Another focus is to engage in more healthy outdoor adventure and exploration.
Gardening holds a spot in my regular routine.
And of course, continued love and care for family members near and far.
On rainy days, I'll likely work on my creativity studio and the many projects I'm in the midst of in related to that.
So spring/summer 2021 is a friend/family summer of creativity, healthy outdoor exploration, reflection, and support. Onward.