Why Summer is a Struggle (And How Solitude Saves Me)- Sarah Westfall
Summer is here. For many parents, these weeks come with a sigh of relief, a break from the fast-paced school year. But for me, summer is more like a marathonΓÇöa sweaty fight to the finish. Only three weeks in, I already feel the threat of shin splints.
You see, IΓÇÖm an introvert. My energy comes from time spent alone. (And no, a solo trip to the grocery store doesnΓÇÖt count.) To function well, I need space to breathe, to be needy rather than needed once in a while.
But as a work-from-home mom with four boys under age 8, IΓÇÖm needed constantly. The older two get up early and want help with breakfast. I simultaneously hand Cheerios to the toddler while nursing the baby. My days are filled with building LEGO Batcaves, answering work emails, providing snack upon snack, and making sure the dishes donΓÇÖt overtake the kitchen counter. Even after all four littles are in bed, I have laundry to fold, writing deadlines to meet, and a husband I donΓÇÖt want to neglect.
During these summer weeks, I often feel like I canΓÇÖt catch my breath. I start to ache for time alone, and the joy of summer slips away. Lazy mornings spent in pajamas or afternoons at the splash pad get overshadowed by exhaustion and bitterness. Instead of enjoying the season, I long for the finish line.
Summer is exhausting, but itΓÇÖs also filled with potential, one thousand tiny opportunities to laugh and play and make memories as a family.
But I donΓÇÖt want to wish away these precious days with my kiddosΓÇöthe day at the zoo when my toddlerΓÇÖs big blue eyes lit up upon seeing a flamingo for the first time or the squeals of laughter the afternoon I sprayed the boys with the garden hose. Summer is exhausting, but itΓÇÖs also filled with potential, one thousand tiny opportunities to laugh and play and make memories as a family.
Self-care isnΓÇÖt selfish; itΓÇÖs essential, even spiritual.
To maximize these moments, IΓÇÖve learned to make room for solitude, for those activities that refresh and strengthen me. Self-care isnΓÇÖt selfish; itΓÇÖs essential, even spiritual. I need solitude, and my family needs me. Therefore, a bubble bath at the end of the day is no longer just a luxury, but a necessityΓÇöa spiritual act of being renewed that keeps me from being the worst version of myself. ItΓÇÖs my tiny Sabbath in a season of chaos.
Yes, I may always struggle a little more during the summer months. With all these kids, I just canΓÇÖt escape it. But by scheduling quiet moments alone, I get the energy I need to be a better mom, wife, sister, and friend. Because my need for solitude is met, I can be present in the chaos and embrace the joy that is little bare feet on the tile floor, adventures at the park, and serving snacks multiple times a day. Even if I cross that finish line sweaty and tired, I can do so without regret and with all the blessings that summer can bring.
