The Summer Bucket List Kicks the Bucket!

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Spring Break OUt!Alas August approaches.  The summer begins to come to a close.  It is time for back to school shopping, busy schedules, and crock pot cooking.  But what happened to my  summer bucket list? The parks, museums, play dates? Where did the time go? How could I not have EVEN LOOKED at it?  We didn’t make it to Monday Fun Day.   We didn’t schedule that trip to the Indianapolis Zoo!  How could I have deprived my child of a Zoo Day?

How does this make me feel? AMAZING!  Absolutely, one hundred percent, guilt free amazing!

A large majority of the time I find myself tied to a schedule. The bell schedule at work. The soccer schedule after work.  We all know the drill.  But summer, sweet summer, means this teacher gets a pause from 30 minute lunch breaks and that bell to bell mentality.  So why do I still find myself tied to a To Do list? Even though the summer bucket list was designed to “enhance fun,” it was still a list.  Something to complete.   Something to check off. Well, dare  I say, NO MORE LISTS! At least no more lists that make fun lists become To Do Lists.  ( I will never leave the house without my coveted grocery lists!)

I was working on the computer this evening (MYTH: Teachers get summer off!) when my son asked what he could write about.  I gave him a topic: The Perfect Summer.  I told him he could write whatever he envisioned as the perfect summer.

This is what he wrote:20150728_222615

His favorite things? TAKING A WALK for a sweet treat. Riding his bike.  PETTING THE DOGS. Playing Minecraft (don’t judge).

Nowhere on his “Perfect Summer ” essay did it say: Museum Trip, Monday Play Dates, or check out the new splash park.  Of course he enjoys those things.  We did manage to complete a few play dates, visit the pool, and attend a play so far this summer as well.  However, his perfect summer is so simple. So enjoyable. SO. STRESS. FREE.  It is a very visual reminder of the pressures that we as mothers place upon ourselves.  Of course I would still like to visit some of those places on our summer bucket list. Eventually. When the time is right.  But for now, I have modified my summer bucket list, and it feels great.

Sarah’s  NEW Summer Bucket List: 1. Enjoy it. 

How do you make the most of your summer ? Does your summer bucket list rule your summer? Share your stories with us! We love to hear from you!