Summer Book One

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#themomseason #justforfunsummer

A Summer's Resolution

The edge between the school year and summer break feels a bit like New Year's Eve.  My brain is just about dead from the demands celebrations require of me, but I still sense a nudge to give myself some kind of new goal.  A personal purpose. A thing to look forward to before the next few months roll over me like an avalanche of everyone's else's plans.

We moms are professional activity planners for our kids and our families because:
A.) We want to make memorable moments.
B.) We realize the importance of connection.
C.) We know that kids require some direction.
D). We will lose our minds trying to do all of the entertaining ourselves!

But do we make space on the calendar for our own kinds of fun?

My Summer's Resolution is to do things just for fun.  Why should the kids have all of the adventures and play dates and camps? Let's take these next few months to check off some bucket lists of our own!

Go paddle boarding.
Play an instrument.
Paint something.
Go to a non-kid movie with friends.
Sit by the pool alone.
Decorate a room.
Go on a date.
Put together a huge puzzle.
Take a class.
Go for a run.
Do yoga.

This summer could be one for the books!  Because we reminded ourselves that's it's okay to take the kids to the library and then drop them off with Grandma while we sip iced coffee and window shop for a spell. Or we closed the bedroom door to read in peace and quiet. Honestly, taking fun breaks are a win for the whole family!

Share your #justforfunsummer on instagram: @dbyham.

Just for the Fun of It?

What if we did more things just for the fun of it?  Not for recognition.  Not for a paycheck. And not because it was included in a list of obligations.

What if we just followed our leanings and didn't care what so-and-so thought about it?  Our outfit choices, our decorating decisions, or our book selections? Or even how we organize our schedules?

What if we painted a unicorn just because we wanted to? Or wrote because we just liked the way the words fit together? Or made plans with a friend just because we liked their company?

Not for what we could get.
Not for a higher step on the social ladder.
Not for any reason whatsoever.

JUST FOR FUN!

Maybe we'd laugh more.  Maybe we'd be a little more chill.  Maybe we'd be a lot more comfortable in our own flip flops/sneakers/heels/boots. Maybe we'd be happier moms.

Maybe we'd make people smile. Make them want some of that freedom, some of that spunk, some of that confidence.

Maybe we'd remember when we thought dandelions were flowers to wish upon and not weeds messing up our manicured yards of unrealistic expectations. That silly, not-so-serious, side of us might bloom right where it's planted. We wouldn't hide or wait for permission anymore.

I wonder if we'd finally capture that ever elusive creature we named JOY. I wonder if it would nuzzle right up to our souls like an old friend we'd been missing.  And I wonder if it would stay.

Because this one-time life is a gift for enjoying (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).

#justforfunsummer #themomseason