I saw a funny the other day that said, “Is it just me, or did June and July last for like five minutes?”

And it’s so true!

This summer has flown by for me. It’s been challenging and good.

And now it’s that time to start thinking about new schedules and school clothes and braces and ball camps and cheer practice and a new schedule for piano lessons and, and, and so much more!

So, just a few thoughts as you launch in:

1 Pick the most important things! Kids don’t need to do everything at once, but they do need time to be kids.  Set a limit to the extra’s your children can chose, and then save time through the school year to read together and eat together and stay caught up with each other. Your time and attention is what they need and want most, so let your own schedule be geared toward their comings and goings if at all possible. You won’t regret it in the long run. There are precious, extremely valuable moments to share in the mornings, right after school, at bedtime most especially.

2  Set some new goals for yourself! How are meals going?  Would you like to get  good at having meal plans? There is a three-part blog post, Menu Planning 101, from March of 2014, that walks you through the steps of creating a plan.  Check it out and put it to use if that is something you would like to incorporate into your life. It makes things easier! No more stressing over what to make for dinner each night!

3  Continue your education.  What would you like to learn this school year? What books would you like to read?  There is a Lioness library page that has some suggestions for books on marriage, parenting, health, gardening, etc. I hope to offer some good food for thought!

4  Make a plan early for your Christmas giving and start working!  I have a goal this year to be relaxed in December.  That means I have some granny squares to work on tonight before I go to bed!

5 Love your life as it is now.  Whatever stage you are in and whatever age your children are, find the positives and marinate your mind in them! Accept what is and breathe.  Chances are, there is much to enjoy now, and no need to borrow worry for tomorrow.

6 If you would like to move yourself forward over the next six months, consider health coaching! Lioness offers in person and distance coaching in six-month programs. When you have accountability and support, it’s amazing what you can accomplish!

Happy end of summer!  I hope you are well and getting ready for what’s around the corner for you, whatever that will be.

Love, love, love,

Jacque