August. How in the world did we get here? I’m in a bit of denial. By some miracle, our hydrangeas are still blooming — and they are playing mind games on me that it is actually still July. Growing up, I loved and loathed August. In Indiana, we went back to school in mid-August. I was a perpetually intense student (code words for a self-imposed stress case with perfectionist tendencies), so I was both excited and anxious about getting back in the classroom. The month of August (2005) introduced me to my husband, which was the sweetest way to end what I call the best summer of my life. We shared our first date over Pizza Hut breadsticks on the first day of my junior year. (He clearly knew the way to my heart.)
My love-hate relationship with the month of August continued into adulthood. Since I moved to New England, August is always the signal that summer won’t last forever. Sweatshirts reappear for chilly nights. I love the fall months in Rhode Island, but winter follows much too quickly for my liking. Weather aside, it also feels like August means the joyfulness and craziness of the holidays are right beyond the bend. Beggars can’t be choosers, but I’d really love just one more month in the summer.
When I started my first job after college in August 2007, I remember shopping for new desk supplies. I created a funny tradition that year: somehow, I always end up with a new planner in August — one which runs from July to December of the following year. It always feels like the crisp new pages offered the chance to start fresh. Last August, I started a new job which required me to hit the books after an abbreviated maternity leave. It really felt like an August of old. I was anxious, thrilled, and exhausted, all rolled into one.
In the spirit of August and starting fresh, I decided there is no time like the present to share the goals I have for this ‘school year’. I could pull out the study, but I’m sure you’ve also heard the anecdote that writing down your goals is the key to success. Sharing my goals on the internet is a surefire way to hold myself accountable — to the goals and to all of you. These three goals may sound a bit like new year’s resolutions, but so be it. It’s the start of a new ‘year’, after all 😉
- Spend less time on social media. For a blogger, I know that sounds like a bit of an oxymoron. However, I do a lot of mindless scrolling when I’m eating lunch or when I’m waiting in some line or another. When we were in California last week, I took a ton of photos — but I decided to wait to share my favorites until after we got home. I was more focused on enjoying the time with my husband than finding the perfect filter. It was glorious. (I will be sharing plenty more from that trip soon — keep an eye here and on Instagram!)
- Focus on gaining muscle and trimming down in a healthy way. We have had an action-packed summer, so I have had plenty of excuses. I am ready to buckle down and feel like myself again, which I know just requires a bit more planning and a lot of patience. Beyond running and cycling, I need to dial in on my portions. I just finished weaning Rose, so I feel like I have the permission to focus on my body again.
- Find more patience. I don’t know how or why, but my fuse is much shorter than it used to be. I need to take the extra five minutes in the morning to let my son climb in the car. When I’m on the road for work, I need to forgive New England drivers for their horrible driving skills. (I’m only partially kidding.) Losing my cool is only a recipe for frustration, so I plan to work diligently to keep it in check.
What are you working on this ‘school year’? I’d love to encourage you on your own journey!
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