Summer Check-in - How Are We Doing?

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Our friend Abby the Librarian  commented on Facebook that even though it wasn't a terribly busy day, summer is so intense that she finds herself worn out. We all have that moment(s?). We are there too!

Summer and summer reading just means more. More of everything. More intensity in that everything. More constancy in the more. More fun. More kids. More ickiness. More questions. More answers. More stress. More crankiness. More splendid moments. More small defeats. More unbridled delight. More success. More chaos. Just more.

Whether we are in the midst of a six week, four week, ten week, twelve week or sixteen week program, the more-ness swirls up around us. At times it takes on the intensity of a blizzard we are trying to walk through (are you with me here, oh Midwest, Northwest friends?). Can we make any headway?

No matter how much we have scaled back our SLP to make it kid and staff friendly, still it is intense. No matter if we KNOW it will be impossible to do anything except SLP during these weeks, it wears us down. Wouldn't it be great to do a little of our other work. Nuh-uh. It's summer!

Is there a cure? Hmmm, getting into another line of work is a possibility. But most of us really don't want to do that.

Is there a cope? Yes, I think there is. It has to do with self-care. We each have a secret way to recharge. A sure knowledge that the end of the intensity is in sight. A welcome adult beverage at the end of the day. That extra piece of chocolate or favored fruit or cracker or cookie or nut treat. An eye on the horizon of the last day and maybe a little time off. A long bath at the end of a tough day. Some TV zoning. A deep immersion in a well-loved book. Some gaming time. Some quality pet/family snuggling time. A small and special day off filled with friends and fun - or even a lunch away. Some time outside.

Self-care is important. Whatever happens, coping and staying even means taking some time to recharge ourselves daily. Remember, each day we make a difference for kids - and for our coworkers. Taking care of ourselves means we can have energy to do this remarkable kid-filled summer reading thing each and every day.

Hang in there, my friends. The end is in sight!