Summer on the Road

What a beautiful Summer we had this year, beautiful weather and plenty of time outdoors. I'm sure you have your own fond memories of the season, especially as we are diving into Winter in a months time. I wanted to take some time to reflect on my Summer, especially since I spent a majority of it on the road travelling to and from classes, visiting friends and family, and taking mini road trips with my significant other. I drove all over Tay Township, Midland, Penetanguishene and Tiny Township, and put over 4,000 KM's on my car. It wasn't until mid-August when I started to feel the affects of my time on the road. It felt like I was living in my car. I had plenty of water, snacks, and even changes of clothing; and it felt like I only went home to eat main meals and sleep. I was starting to burn the candle at both ends, or also known as Burning Out. My energy was zapped from doing too much and spending a lot of time driving. Even now, I find that I am still recovering from a busy Summer and start of Fall.

There was one day in particular that I remember so well... I was sitting at my Family Cottage in my car, on the edge of a breakdown. I remember forcing myself into my car that morning, and by the time I had a moment to myself I was full of mixed emotions. I love what I do, but I was running on empty. I wanted to cry and scream; and I ended up laughing when I looked down at my keys and keychains hanging down from the ignition. The word 'Balance' written on a keychain is what caused me to laugh because I knew I didn't have a healthy balance between my personal life and work life. I held the keychain in my hand and said to myself, "It's time to find balance." I remember thinking, 'I can't be this busy next Summer. I'll have to make some tough decisions.'

The past three summers I have pushed myself more and more; after this past one I recognize that I need to make some changes to my schedule to make things work for me. So I can be Balanced. So I can teach and be a student, so I can work and play. What will Summer of 2020 hold? I'm not entirely sure yet, but I will still be offering classes on various Beaches. One thing I know, is that I don't want to spend my entire Summer travelling in my car... I want to enjoy my Summer too. From this point forward I am striving for Balance, within me, outside of me, and with my work-play time.

I encourage you to take a look at your life and find out where you are unbalanced. If and when you find unbalance, take some steps to re-create balance.