Today is the first day of school for my kids. I have no idea where the summer went. It seems like it was just last week that they came home ready to celebrate the end of their school year. We went back to Pennsylvania for a visit, came home, and sports practices started. Now here we are, school supplies purchased and packed, and struggling to get up in time to make the bus.
I guess the adage is true: Time flies when you’re having fun. Or running all over the city as a chauffeur.
I dreaded this day since the first day of summer break. I hate not having my kids around. Sure, they weren’t around that much anyway, what with social events and sports activities, but they were here a lot more than they will be now. And in a few years, they won’t be here at all.
Saying goodbye is hard. (tweet this)
But there are positives to the new school year starting.
- The kids will get to see all their friends every day.
- They’ll get to explore new subjects and learn new things.
- I’ll get back into a routine, which will make writing easier than it had been this summer.
- There will be less mess in the house.
- Steeler Football is starting. (Yes, that’s a selfish one, but it’s a benefit to me.)
I don’t know if you, like me, are feeling that temporary empty nest syndrome, or if you have the house to yourself permanently, or if you have babies at home and won’t be getting a break. What I do know is that we all have things in common.
- We all can benefit from spending time with family and friends.
- Knowledge is wonderful and powerful.
- Routine breeds productivity.
- Physical decluttering leads to mental clarity.
- Change can be good.
- Entertainment in any form (particularly Steeler football, but to each his own) is necessary for recharging.
Fall isn’t always looked at as a time of new beginnings. In fact, that’s when leaves are falling, harvests are being reaped, and summer toys are being stored.
But it’s time more than just students and teachers look to autumn as a new beginning. (tweet this)
Take this opportunity to reexamine WIPs and breathe new life into your efforts. January 1 does not need to be the only time we stop, take stock, and make plans for improvement. What areas in your life could use a fresh start? Why don’t you share in the comments section?
Reblogged this on janna hill and commented:
I’m re-blogging this because Staci makes six [eternally] valid points.
We all can benefit from spending time with family and friends.
Knowledge is wonderful and powerful.
Routine breeds productivity.
Physical de-cluttering leads to mental clarity.
Change can be good.
Entertainment in any form (particularly Steeler football, but to each his own) is necessary for recharging.
Wow, Janna; I’m honored. Thanks.
You are welcome. 🙂
lol. How DO you lose a blow dryer?
You wouldn’t BELIEVE the things that my youngest child has misplaced. She still hasn’t found it, by the way. I have a feeling mine is about to disappear…
Yoiu better hide it while you still can. Nothing worse than losing your possessions to your children, you will never get them back.
uh-oh. 🙁
Don’t I know it. She still has my hair straightener (which is funny because she has straight hair anyway) and I’ve been walking around frizzy for two years!
Staci, i am a partial empty nester. My daughter is in the Navy and my son goes to a local college while living at home. With his fall semester starting, he will be around less and I will miss him. Although I work during the day and he worked mostly evenings, it was nice knowing he was around even if I didn’t see him. I have a project that I put aside, but I do need to get back to it. Back to school is truely a great time to get back to writing. Everyone needs a jump start at some point and this is definitely a good place to start. Great advice. Thanks.
It’s sad when they grow up and set out on their own, but that’s what we always wanted for them, right? If you need cheering up, I’m here. In the meantime, good luck on your WIP!