greenclogs

a summer state of mind

We're heading into summer. I can feel it. Maybe it was the few days we spent on the beach in southern California. Maybe it's the last few weeks of surprisingly glorious weather during the usually gloomy April and May of Portland (although today it's finally raining). Maybe it's the end of year plays and potlucks and the sewing of graduation stoles for the seniors at Gunnar's school. However it has come about, I'm finding myself thinking about our summer plans and rhythm. Here's what I have so far. 

LESS

televison

Internet

time in the car

stress

deadlines

structure

obligation

MORE

outside time

beach

biking

relaxing

digging

books

art

talk

camping

making

rock hunting

hiking

spontaneity 

And somehow, I need to figure out how to maintain that past summertime. Slowly, I think, we're getting there. 

Summer. It's really a state of mind. 

into the great wide open

Dear Lindsay,

I'm still pretty speechless about the fact that you have graduated from college. It's especially poignant because you and I now share an alma mater. Watching you receive your diploma and hearing your name announced (and pronounced correctly!) was one of the proudest moments of my life. I hope you're now relaxed enough to reflect a bit on what a huge accomplishment this is and feel some of that same pride. You deserve it. 

I know the last thing you want right now is advice from your mother, but I'm going to indulge and give you a bit of it anyway. Things are pretty scary and uncertain for you right now, with looking for a job in an uncertain job market. Not having a plan is daunting for everyone, and is especially so for a planner like you. 

So here we go. Mom's advice on walking into the great wide open of the rest of your life. 

1. Relax. You'll find the process easier if you keep it in perspective. You're looking for your first job, not the perfect job. The job will come, I promise. It'll take hard work, but you're used to hard work. You can do it. 

2. Be creative. All sorts of places can use your skills. Look at nonprofit organizations. Grab a restaurant or a nanny job for the summer while you find the position you're looking for. Never assume that someone won't need or want your skills and enthusiasm. They probably do, but they may not know it yet. 

3. Contribute. Look for real work that makes an impact on the world. You may not make as much money, but the benefits of doing good are immeasurable. Be a voice for those who need to be heard. Give back in appreciation for all that you have been given. 

4. Live your real life. Your work (and the looking for it) is not your life. Your work can and should be rewarding, but your life exists in the spaces outside of it - with your friends and your family, with travel and quiet times curled up with a book, with dawdling over a cup of coffee or hanging out at the beach. Don't let work take over your life. 

5. Simplify. Stay light - don't overwhelm your budget with expenses you don't need or your space with stuff that weighs you down (I need to listen to myself more on this one). You can be open to so many more possibilities if stuff isn't weighing you down. 

6. Pause. To borrow from Maria Shriver's amazing commencement speech at your graduation. Be here. Right now. Be in this moment where everything is possible and life is wide open. Embrace being here in this open space. Don't let worrying and planning for what's next keep you from the beauty of now. Remember this one always and pause frequently. Her words couldn't be more true. 

7. Fly. Fly with your heart and your spirit and your life. Stretch your wings and take risks. We'll always be here to catch you if you fall. 

I love you more than words can say and I'm so proud to have raised someone who can do so much in the world. I can't wait to watch you tackle it. 

Love, 

Mom

p.s. That commencement speech should be required viewing for everyone. Go watch it. You'll be glad you did.