Perspective from the Interim

Consider this post a follow up from my last post as well as a heartfelt thank you. I guess with so much vitriol online I sometimes forget that this space isn’t that at all. Thank you for your empathy, your supportive words, and for your advice. I found it to be incredibly helpful in helping me reframe my perspective.

Gratitude I had down, but I realized I might be trying to shove a square peg into a round hole with my wanting to restart “normal” routine and life during this interim. As you kindly pointed out, life isn’t going to be in a “normal” routine for a while so why should I make it be?

This short season isn’t the time for sports practices, maximum efficiency for me, or rigidity in general. What a gift that is! It just takes refocusing on how special this time is and all the perks. There is SO much good in this space and I won’t be able to fully embrace and savor it if I stay focused on what I’m not doing.

One little tip from Sarah really resonated with me:

“Maybe it would help to reframe this time of transition as “summer 2.0” or something along those lines so you don’t get it confused with the new life you’re starting. Maybe if you were able to distinctively title it like a sabbatical or 12 week interim or something, and come up with a few goals/intentions for your time (ex: help David transition to his new job; enjoy time with Mom), it might help.“

Yes. It feels right to put a name to this in-between time and give it its own set of intentions. So right now we are in The Interim, a cozy spot that feels like an extended weekend with the gift of extra time bonding with my favorite girls, getting to support David in his new role, enjoying having mom’s helping hands, long walks with an eager pup, and plenty of time to read aloud and embroider on the back porch.

Yesterday Kaitlyn said to me – “our school is so fun” and it made me smile. She said this while still having to do math and spelling, but we’ve also had time to really enjoy nature study, art study, and more read aloud (currently flying through The Wild Robot so we’ll be ready when the movie comes out later this month). I do owe you a full homeschool update though- I’ve shifted almost all my language arts picks after only a couple weeks! Another gift- the ability to pivot when something isn’t working.

This coming weekend should be rejuvenating. We have no plans beyond watching football and organizing the camper (I still owe you a tour!). At the end of next week we are taking off for a real adventure- an 8 day camping adventure- and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Thank you again (group hug). And one day can we all please meet for coffee and a chat because in so many ways it feels like we’re doing life side by side. I’m so grateful for this space and for you. Ok, ok, my cheesiness is concluding here, but truly, thank you.