I wish that summer could go on forever, but thats not it's purpose. Summers are to refresh, renew, and inspire. I have been reflecting on mine and how well I spent my time. At first, I was upset because I didn't complete all the goals on my summer to-do list. While I did do a lot, it wasn't what I had planned. As I sat there criticizing myself for all the moments I spent reading, laying in the sun, watching TV, and hanging out with friends; I realized something. Thats exactly what I needed. I didn't need to spend my days obsessively perfecting my business, perfecting my blog, perfecting my appearance, and so on. While those are all wonderful things to accomplish, I needed to relax and let myself be inspired by simple things. Towards the beginning of the summer I was at a creative road block. I felt so uninspired. I couldn't figure out why. Now I know that it was because after the school semester ended (the worst school semester ever) I hardly let myself take a break. As sad as I am for the summer to end, I am ready. I am inspired. I am happy. I am prepared. I am determined.
Then I started wondering what I have done this summer. Surely I must have done something amazing. Surely I must completed a big goal. It took me a while to realize just how big of a step forward that I have taken.
-> I de-cluttered my life! I got rid of a ton of stuff that I don't need, and put a bunch of stuff that I want but don't need now in the attic! Just in time for my new apartment with five roommates.
-> I discovered what beautiful feels like. I think that this is the biggest accomplishment of my summer. I let go of a lot of insecurities and learned to embrace "me".
-> I successfully baked a pie and everyone loved it! Learn how to make it HERE.
-> I started to be more grateful for the blessings in my life. It's a work in progress.
-> I made some really amazing friends.
-> I celebrated my three year baptism anniversary.
-> I loved being home with my family.
The list goes on, and on, and on. This summer has been one of the best. It has been ground breaking. It was needed. I am grateful for this summer and look forward to the next (which I hope I will be spending in London!!!!). If I learned anything this summer, it is that sometimes plans don't pan out. Sometimes you don't get very far on your goal list. Sometimes you spend more time watching Arrested Development than creating. But thats ok, because you come back as ready as ever.
Thank you summer for being amazing.
Carli
You deserve a break! I allowed myself some serious "do nothing" time, because I usually don't; it is totally necessary to relax! Good luck with the school year, and make sure to keep finding time for yourself. Schedule it in if you have to! :)
ReplyDeleteAh! Just wait until school ends and your whole life becomes "Summer". I miss school so much! It makes you appriciate time off so much more. It looks like you got a lot accomplished though! I agree with Leila -- make sure you find time for yourself!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Leila and Sarah! Taking time off is so important - if you don't take it for yourself, you just end up completely burnt out. It's great to hear you had a good summer, and even better to hear you've learned what beautiful feels like. That is a huge, huge thing that not many of us can manage or keep hold of very long, but it's so important! Have a great semester, and enjoy the new apartment :) Rhi xx
ReplyDeleteThe Wildest of Dreams