Lessons of Summer

Summer is my favorite time of year. I guess that dates back to childhood and the fact that we were out of school. This year is a different kind of summer for me. There are so many lessons of summer and never more than this one.

One thing always remains the same; how can it go so quickly? Not that it matters anymore, in the school sort of way. Nope, all the kids have graduated and are moving on to new and exciting things. There’s no countdown to the end of freedom before the daily school activities pick up again, but the lessons of this summer will leave a mark that will never be forgotten.

I’m going to tell you a few I have learned, but just a heads up, they will be general. Oh, I could expound but that’s for another day, perhaps another summer? And perhaps not at all.

The lessons of summer this year are many. It has been not only been a very difficult summer, but a very difficult time of my life , and for the ones I love as well. I’ve learned that we are all stronger than we ever imagined, probably because of the many things we must deal with.

I found that you can go home again, but it won’t be the same. It’s not supposed to be. Healing can take place there regardless of whether it is or not.  It’s okay too, because I am thankful for the lessons it has brought.

I have discovered that I can stay by myself! I’ve never done that before, though I only did that in a temporary sort of way, but I’ve spent a few nights alone and I’ve lived to tell the story.

I’ve learned that respect for yourself is something you should never be without. If you don’t respect you then how can others?

I’ve learned that there are many lessons in the pain. That’s not the only way to grow, but it’s a quick way. Sink or swim? Swimming sounds like the better option.

I’ve learned to look toward the future as you are going through the hard times. It won’t always be this way, which has so much value in and of itself. Don’t miss it while you’re there.

I’ve learned that saying good-bye can be a beautiful and painful thing all rolled into one. Store those up for they are indeed treasures.

I’ve learned that it’s never too late. NEVER!

I’ve learned that there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Ain’t nobody got time for dat!

I’ve learned that letting go can be the most difficult thing you will ever do but if you do it because it’s right, then what other choice is there?

I learned that some things seem to happen with a force of it’s own. If you bother looking back, you probably won’t be able to figure out what went wrong. That’s okay too. Maybe that’s the most valuable lesson of this summer; that no matter how difficult it is to let go, you just have to do it…one step at a time, with a rhythm all it’s own and believe that you will arrive at a better place.

These are a few of my lessons of summer. What are yours?