My Final Countdown: 4 Summer Reflection Questions
- Whitney Deal Marshall
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
I have no idea how it is already the middle of July or how it’s even possible that my summer is almost over, and yet here we are. Eeeek!
My son starts 3rd grade on July 27th (no, that’s not a typo), and I am struggling to process that he’s already eight and that it’s time for him to go back to school. (Cue “It’s the Final Countdown!”)
My summer went by SO quickly in so many ways, and we have had a ton of fun as a family, but if I’m being honest, I’m ready to get back to a routine. I thrive on having a schedule and feel so much better if I have a general sense of how my day is going to go.
Don’t get me wrong, I also have a sense of adventure and love the chance to do fun and unexpected things, but it would be awesome if I knew when they would happen (e.g. I’m up for doing anything as long as it’s on Saturday, anytime between 2-6 p.m.!) My mom used to say I enjoyed “planned spontaneity.”
Can you relate?
My son is currently at his final camp of the summer, and I’m typing this while sitting on my screened porch with my coffee. I can hear the birds chirping, the AC running, and the cars passing on the street. The calm before the (school) storm. I’ve been reflecting on a few questions as I try to wind things down and get into "back to school" mode:
What did I most enjoy this summer and why?
What, if anything, would I look forward to doing again next year?
What would I like to tell my future self not to repeat next summer?
What is one thing I learned about myself and/or my family this summer?
What did I enjoy most this summer and why?
My son went to his first sleepaway camp near the NC coast this summer, and my husband and I decided to rent an Airbnb in New Bern, NC and work from there for the week instead of driving back to Atlanta. It was such a great decision!
New Bern is a lovely, charming city along the Neuse River and operates at a MUCH slower pace than Atlanta. We took walks every morning by the river, worked from our small carriage house built in the 1850’s, paused each day about 1 pm to watch the train go by our front door (yes, a train!), poured wine and cooked a leisurely dinner at night, walked again along the river, and went to bed at a decent time most nights. It was delightful!
We were also able to drive to Raleigh to attend my godson’s high school graduation, which I would’ve missed if we’d gone back home. My soul was so happy to celebrate him and spend time with my best friend from college and her extended village!
What, if anything, would I look forward to doing again next year?
After we picked my son up from camp, I took (almost) two full weeks off to spend time with various family and friends, and it truly felt like I had a break. It was not exactly relaxing because I’ve determined that doesn’t happen these days unless I’m at the beach by myself, but it was restorative. I actually looked forward to getting back to work!
What would I like to tell my future self not to repeat next summer?
Whitney- If you are going to choose to be gone for three weeks next year, don’t go to a different place each week if you can avoid it. It’s too much. Just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should.
Curious about our itinerary? Here you go: Atlanta, GA ➡️ New Bern, NC ➡️ Raleigh, NC ➡️ New Bern, NC ➡️ Williamsburg, VA ➡️ Virginia Beach, VA ➡️ Emerald Isle, NC ➡️ Raleigh, NC ➡️Atlanta, GA
We drove over 1700 miles when it was all said and done! (and I did most of the driving…)
What is one thing I learned about myself and/or my family this summer?
Each one of us needs more unstructured time than we typically give ourselves. Even my 100% extroverted son needed to chill and “do nothing” for a little while most days. And even though he said, “I’m bored!” more than a few times, he ultimately found something to entertain himself (though it did involve a screen more often than I wish it had).
My inner planner, who is also an overachiever, had a hard time accepting this at first. But by the end, even she realized she needed a vacation!
Once your summer draws to a close (which I hope is still weeks away!), I encourage you to reflect on these questions and consider asking your family and/or friends, too. Their answers might surprise you! (Fun fact: My son most enjoyed not wearing underwear at his first-ever sleepaway camp. 🤦♀️😜)
What other reflection questions would you add to your own list?
A few more summer memories:
