What a month it has been – life as a full-on business woman is very intense. As a reminder, 18 months ago I returned to a career in the finance industry, after a 20 year hiatus where I had children, earned several degrees and then transitioned to professional musician and contract professor… It has been quite an 18 months.
In late July, I realized that I had not yet made it to my favourite Lake Huron beach and was aghast. I was afraid that it was going to be late October and I would be filled with regret about my lost summer adventures. I am lucky that I have supportive management, and flexibility in my working hours, and so I decided to do something – Summer Wednesdays were born.
What are Summer Wednesdays? Well, some of my luckiest colleagues work for companies who have “Wellness Programs” and “Early Release” days that designate half-days off, often on Fridays or before a long weekend. I realized I could create my own personal program (with the caveat of course that I still have to get my work done, just on my own schedule). Summer Wednesdays are my plan to sign off of work early, maybe 2-3pm, on Wednesdays in summer, and drive to one of the gorgeous Great Lakes beaches near me.
So the first Summer Wednesday came and went, and there was just no tearing me away from my desk. So Thursday morning, I put on my bathing suit underneath my clothing, and set down to work. Thrilled, I drove down to Lake Erie and had a truly glorious 4 hour visit, complete with nap on the beach and many swims. So in great irony, Summer Wednesday I was a success, even if it happened on a Thursday.
Summer Wednesday 2 was not so great. I was anxious. I was overwhelmed. I had many excuses and the week slipped past me. So Summer Wednesday 2 earned a DNF.
Summer Wednesday 3 just happened this week. After not making it last week, I was pretty worried this week. I tried to get more realistic and planned a trip to a quarry about 30 minutes from here. It worked, and I had a wonderfully refreshing swim. (Hilariously I also managed to start a video call to my Vice President when I put my phone in my back pocket. I heard someone calling my name behind me and realized it was my phone. I pulled out my phone – with full view of my chest and bathing suit – and apologized profusely. She said she realized it was a pocket call, but stayed on the call, because she wanted to make sure I was ok. *cue above where I said I have supportive management).
So that’s my check-in this month. I have probably 4 more Wednesdays left in the swimming season, so Summer Wednesdays 4 – 7 represent opportunities for me. I’m curious – how do you prioritize your own self, in the midst of a very busy life? I think I need to keep working on this.
