Not sure if it’s that time of year but I’ve been feeling low, low mood-wise this past week. Not sure what to call it. “See You Later, Summer” Slump? Back-to-School Bah Hambug? Anxiety Annie? I’ll stop here. Sarah’s reflection is so, so good. Be sure to read the comment thread as well.
To examine my feelings with curiosity… Why am I feeling low right now?
- Am I grieving the end of summer? Quite possible! We traveled a lot this summer and kids were in summer camp for four weeks. Overall, I am happy how this summer turned out (because of camp, I did end up having time to myself!)
- Back-to-work anxiety? Also possible! I love where I work and I love what I do but I always, ALWAYS feel a bit nervous at the beginning of the year. Will my students like me? Will my students learn what they need to learn? Will I be able to teach them all I want to teach them? I over prepare so in reality there is really no need to be nervous but guess what? Still am.
- Being in limbo with routines. A definite YES! Questions that arise over and over in my mind: will L like kindergarten? Will R like preschool? Will I be able to handle them in these two different locations with pick ups and drop offs? Will I be able to keep up with all the school communications?
- Before/after care. Definitely! In my recent post I took some time to examine the lack of reliable before/after care in our family and feel sorry for myself. I know I am not the only one with these struggles. We ended up working with a kind neighbor who will take L to school and pick her up together with her girls (same school). I felt so relieved but the guilt is there. I hope one day we can repay the favor. Ultimately, I will pick L up at neighbor’s house at 3:15PM, then go get R.
- Itching to book next trips. YES! A few more payments left on my credit card to pay off Portugal-Spain trip. In spite of that I want to reserve our next trips. Leaf-peeping in Massachussetts at the end of November, a city-break for spring break 2024 (first week of April, thinking Paris), and Thailand over the summer 2024 (to have my dad fly in from Russia and meet us there – no travel restrictions for him, for now.)
What can be done about all of the above that I have not already done? Perhaps turning to gratitude over time well spent this summer, picking away at the Back-to-School to-do list, meditating, a yoga session to take my mind off things… Taking SOME kind of small action to address some point above… Suggestions welcome!
How about you? Slump or no slump?