We are created for a rhythmic life. Our days and seasons exist within time’s boundaries, beyond our control. I believe it’s for good reason and to our benefit.
But it’s the transitions from one to another that are a buzzkill. Think about mornings and bedtime. Going from sleep to wakefulness or from a busy mind to rest, can be a struggle. Moving from one season to another also takes work: different clothes, chores and schedules.
Most of us also have a certain rhythm to our work life. As a school SLP, I have June and July away from my office and caseload. You may work year round but hopefully got a vacation at some point in the past few months.
Again, empathizing with a few of my students, it’s the transitions that can throw us off.
I ran into the store a few weeks ago to get more sunscreen for the lake when I noticed the aisles of school supplies had showed up. I literally stopped in my tracks and heard a little “dunt, dunt, dun”….in my head. Wait, what? Folders? Glue sticks? Backpacks? NOOOOOO.
When I go summer mode I’m all in and get work amnesia. Reading until late, swimming, coffee dates, movies and lots of daydreaming. The transition from my summer schedule back to work is like waking from a deep sleep and not knowing where I am. Disoriented, sluggish, and a tad bit grumpy. You may be feeling the same way.
My suggestion? Hit the snooze. Lay there in your summer bed for 10 more minutes. Savor it.
But then, make a cup of coffee and face the fall. Your people are waiting on you and your gifts are needed.
May I suggest a simple way to transition with purpose? This summer I read The Artist’s Rule by Christine Valters Paintner. Consider this line from her chapter on vocation:
“Work is a friend of the soul.”
For some reason, this thought is helping me transition with purpose back into a work rhythm. It reminds me that I am made for the job laid before me and it is a friend to my soul.
“Our attention to compassion and creativity is a commitment to laboring alongside the Divine Worker in bringing about a more just and beautiful world. The work is so large that we may be tempted to despair or abandon our part, but humility reminds us to honor our gifts and limits. We are called to be proactive and bring our whole hearts to the task, trusting that a greater source than ourselves weaves those tasks together.” — Christine Valters Paintner
May you wake up to this new season with grace and purpose.
Soak in the last few moments of your break with intention. Jot down a list of what you are grateful for instead of agonizing over the things that didn’t get done.
And instead of being overwhelmed by what is waiting for you, remember this future work is your friend. Humbly acknowledge your limits as you partner wholeheartedly with the Greater Source within you. Allow yourself to anticipate and prepare for the transition in rhythm.
May you find joy in the work waiting just for you.
and get A Blessing for the Speech Pathologist,
a free printable to
help you remember your WHY
I needed this! Thank you
I always have trouble getting back into the schedule of work. What a great reminder that work is my purpose and summer is my reward. Thanks!
Thank you Kelli! I was beginning to feel over-whelmed. I need to put my worries with my Savior! Thank you.
Keli needed this and can hear your sweet voice reading this to me!! You not only have a special gift but you are a blessing from god! It’s going to be a great school year.
Kelli, I love this… “Work is a friend of the soul.” And, I like your words as well… “Your people are waiting on you and your gifts are needed.” Thanks for these good thoughts… Let’s Roll!