Summer of 2024

#Reflections #Gratitude

Can you believe summer is almost over? It feels like just yesterday we were looking forward to spring, and now the kids are getting ready to go back to school. I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering where the summer went! 

The onset of spring and summer often brings with it a surge of motivation to tackle various projects and endeavours. I don’t know about you, but I am one of those people with a long list of things to do at the beginning of spring and summer.

This year was no different - my list was crazy long, you know - DIY projects, outdoor adventures, the whole shebang!

• Backyard transformation

• Plan and host annual July 1st party

• Watch the Olympics games

• Attend medical school reunion in Atlanta

• Attend high school mate's milestone birthday party in Texas

• Attend & exhibit at a conference in Anaheim

• Complete scale up plans for business projects

• Complete 3RRetreat planning/consolidation/challenges

• Prepare and help with for sibling’s relocation

• Kid’s summer plans

Now, let's be real, not everything on those lists usually gets checked off. Summer's all about creating memories, sharing the laughs, the joy, and those moments of pure bliss that make it all worth it. So, who was I fooling when I set out to complete all the tasks on my to-do list while making those memories, really? But, how did I fare in the end?

Sporting a wide smile, I am happy to announce that I managed to tick off the majority of the tasks on my list. I encountered both unexpected delights and letdowns along the way but such is the nature of life.

Here is my report card and my reflection on the "Summer of 2024":

Backyard transformation - ☑️

Plan and host annual July 1st party - ☑️

Catch up Olympics games - ☑️

Attend medical school reunion in Atlanta - ☑️

Attend high school mate's milestone birthday party in Texas - ☑️

Attend & exhibit at a conference in Anaheim - ☑️

Complete scale up plans for business projects - ☑️

Complete and consolidate 3RRetreat planning - ☑️

Prepare and help with for sibling’s relocation - ☑️

Execute kid’s summer plans - half ☑️

Unfinished or unaccomplished plans

We had to withdraw the children from their summer camps because of unexpected circumstances. The original idea for their holidays didn't come to fruition, but they received new bikes!  🚲. I still need to clear the land for my garden extension, but fingers crossed I can get it done by early fall. 🌻

The Surprises

My cousin and fiancée welcomed a new baby boy into the family. It's wonderful to see our family network expanding. I am grateful for the new business connections we made and the grant we received this spring.

Reflections

Though no regrets, there are aspects I wish I had handled differently, like being more assertive with the land clearing company we engaged and having a backup plan in place sooner, anticipating their letdown.

Despite my thorough planning, I overlooked organizing a summer vacation for us. All my planning was based on our children's original arrangements. This made juggling work with the kids at home, when most people are off and the weather is delightful, quite challenging at times.

Whenever I find myself dwelling on this negative bit , I remind myself not to linger in regret. It's too late to change anything now, and honestly, what would I have done differently? Not much, if I'm being honest. My melancholy stems more from a sense or my perception of letting my kids down, but did I really? Perhaps I should inquire about their perspective on their summer experience.

On the whole, this summer has been a mix of experiences. While it may not have felt like I achieved a lot, looking back, I/we, did manage to accomplish numerous things, for which I am incredibly grateful.

So, here's 🥂 to the summer of 2024 for bringing me so much! 🍭🥂🍻🍨🍦

How about you? What have been the highlights of your summer (or winter if you're in the southern hemisphere)?  

Would you like to share?