does summer vacation ever have to be over

It’s hot. It’s late July. Are these the “Dog Days”? I used to see that on my father’s calendar in his office and wonder what that meant…were dogs suddenly going to appear somewhere?

Now I understand. You just feel like walking around with your tongue hanging out.

It’s been a weird summer Weird weather. Weird interactions in the workday. Weird injuries. It’s frustrating because I always feel like every day is so precious and I shouldn’t waste it….I should get out there and be doing things. But sometimes I think Nature finds a way to slow us down, make us stop, and be still. Really still. Or, as a member of the clergy reminded me the other day, “put our toes in the sand.”

Sounds pretty good to me.

Already, we’re in a rush. We let Sunday advertising tell us it’s time for back to school. Put away the toys, balls, and bats kids, because it’s time to start worrying about school. Hurry up and take that vacation everybody, because it’s about to all be over. What are you waiting for? Make your reservations or forget it.

Was it this way when we were children? I can’t remember already getting depressed at the end of July.

I remember thinking in late July I had one more month of freedom. So I savored every second of it. Popsicles at night, hide-and-go-seek on the street corner, cool dirt and soft grass to run in. Surely now that we are so much older, we can give ourselves the permission to extend the summer as long as we can.

Because really, it should be a state of mind. A place where we can go when life just gets too hectic. And it is too hectic.

We’ve made our lives insanely busy. But sometimes I think through all the appointments, commitments, and requirements, we’ve forgotten to live. To even notice where we are or who we are with. At the end of the day, can you answer these questions?

Was it sunny today or cloudy?
Did you smile at a stranger today? Help anyone?
How many times did you laugh?
What have you learned today?
Did you remember to have some moments of gratitude?
Was there even a minute when you stopped, looked around, took a deep breath and really noticed your surroundings?
Isn’t that what living is supposed to be about?

Don’t let advertising tell you when it’s time to relax or play. Or when it’s time to stop. If you’re a boomer and beyond, you know better.

You know life is what you make it…and maybe right now, you’re ready to make it fun.