What a summer it has been for my family. It passed, as it always does, too quickly. And yet, as I write today, I feel happy about the summer we did have.
This summer, for me, was the first time working full-time in five years. I am happy to say both kids didn’t skip a beat. Because they were so secure with their setup, it gave me peace and freedom to dive in at work. During that time, I grew so much, both personally and professionally.
Going into summer, I had high expectations for what I hoped to accomplish with my family. All of those summer goals were met, not because I simply hoped for them, but because I planned for them. The month before summer officially began, I made a list of the things I hoped my family could do over the summer. Many of those items were traditions we have been doing for the past few summers. I mapped them out and scheduled intentional time for each.
By having my hopes placed on a calendar, it took away any worry I had and gave me peace that what I hoped for could become a reality.
This idea of intentionally living is where I want to direct your attention, and it is something I strive to instill in my children, especially Kenton as he embarks on his fifth-grade year.
Ever hear the saying, “What you put in is what you’ll get out?” I remind myself of this often when faced with moments I’m not particularly excited for. What this saying means to me is that you have the power to influence your future. What you decide to give is what you’ll receive in return.
For me, I apply this to people. What I give to them, my actions, my attitude, will influence them. It will make them feel a certain way, which will then influence how they respond to me.
News flash: Life isn’t about beating everyone. It’s about influencing, supporting, and giving to others. Life is about people.
Think about it. If all you ever did was focus on yourself and your own initiatives, life would be pretty lonely. And not only that, but you’d be less successful because we can’t do everything on our own.
This is what I learned this summer: life is about people.
Are your tasks, goals, and dreams important? Yes. But don’t see interruptions as annoyances. Don’t see delays as a negative. When you experience an interruption, know that if what you are working on is truly important, you’ll come back to it. Your to-do list isn’t going away. But what could go away are the human connections around you.
Did you know you have the power to influence people’s lives simply by interacting with them? You have the power to give someone hope. You have the power to make someone’s day better. The opposite is also true.
When you elevate others, you elevate yourself.
The next time you are interrupted while handling a “very important task,” remind yourself that it’s not all about you. Take the time to set aside your task and focus on another person. Listen to them. Ask them questions.
As you pour into others, you’ll realize it opens the door to new ideas and opportunities for collaboration and growth—ultimately leading to success. That person who just interrupted you may have insight useful to your task. That person may be able to provide support to you. And because you gave kindness freely, without asking for anything in return, you are more likely to receive it yourself.
So, as we begin fall, let’s keep living intentionally. Let’s be intentional not only with how we spend our time, but with how we spend it with people. The calendar will always be full, the to-do list will always be waiting, and there will always be another task to complete.
But people are not tasks to check off.
So make room for them. Listen to them. Encourage them. Pour into them.
Because at the end of the day, the greatest things we accomplish may not be the things we crossed off our lists, but the people we helped along the way.
A letter to my son on the first day of school:
Kenton,
Happy 1st day of 5th grade! It’s hard to believe summer has come and gone and this day has arrived, but I know you are ready for this new chapter.
Today, as you walk into your classroom and meet all of your classmates, I hope you feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. Excitement because what you put into your work will lead to great opportunities and growth. Anticipation because what is to come is a direct result of the work you put into it.
You are smart, brave, and determined. Don’t allow doubt or fear, from yourself or anyone else, hold you back from being exactly who you are. Remember, you are never alone. Your teachers are there to support you, and the same goes for me and Dad. There is nothing you cannot share with us. Always know we are here to love and guide you. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll work together to find one.
This year holds so much possibility for you. Reach for it boldly, and know that failure is not something to fear, but rather a tool that will guide us toward success.
I love you so much! Now let’s go!
Mom
A letter to my daughter on the first day of school:
Ruby,
Happy 1st day of preschool! I know this card may seem a little funny because you never stopped going to school this summer, but today you’ll have a new teacher and possibly some new classmates.
Watching you learn and grow this summer has been a highlight of mine. You are independent and like to do things on your own. You’re also a beautiful dancer. Watching you dance to your favorite music in our kitchen is not only fun, but inspiring. Inspiring because when you are dancing, you are fully engaged in the moment. You feel the emotion from the music, and you allow your body to do the speaking.
I want you to know that I love you deeply and am so proud of you. Your determination and fearlessness are traits that can sometimes be lost over time. Keep believing in yourself, and know that Dad and I are always here to listen to you, to hug you, and to love you!
I hope you have a great day at school! Big hug!
Mom
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