My relationship status with summer has been “it’s complicated” since 2001 the summer after my first school year as a teacher. Like my students, I counted the days until sweet freedom arrived in mid-June! I packed up my classroom and shut the door, skipping to my car with glee.
Halfway through that first week, I wondered why I felt more down than up. I had constant butterflies in my stomach and a nagging feeling that I was forgetting something. I realized some time that summer that transitions were hard for me just like they were for many of my neurodivergent students. Even though I really, really wanted my summer break, it still took me some time to get used to the lack of structure and empty schedule.
As the years went on, I learned how to balance my desire for more freedom and some predictability by working part-time during the summer or taking on a long-term project or two. The more I accepted and expected the uncertain feelings that the first week of this big transition brought, the shorter the transition itself felt.
Fast forward over two decades, and I still struggle with the transitions that summer brings.
As a Mom, I struggle with the transition of different camps for my three different kids on different weeks.
As a therapist, I struggle and enjoy the slowdown in my private practice.
As a person with ADHD, I love the novelty of special occasions that come with summer, such as dinner at the beach, vacations, house guests, and no routines!
As a person with anxiety, I hate all of the change and lack of routine.
And the beat goes on…
Enjoy my 2024 “Ode to Summer” in my short video above and make sure to follow me on TikTok and Instagram for more bite-sized video content.
Speaking of transition trouble, are you struggling with the morning chaos, including getting yourself out the door ready for the day now that school has started? Check out my article below for advice that you actually want, trust me!
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