Summer is absolutely whizzing by. It feels like it was just beginning, and somehow we are already staring down August. The days have slipped through my fingers much faster than I expected. Because of that, I have put my writing on the back burner for a little while, but I am diving back into it in a few weeks. Once I get settled again, I will be back to my normal programming and spending much more time doing what I love.
Even though I have not been writing as consistently as I would like, I have still managed to put more pen to paper with my novel. It is slowly coming together, and I am hoping I can really push myself to get it finished by the end of the year. I know it is an ambitious goal, especially because I am the type of person who gets bored easily and sometimes struggles to stay focused on one project for long periods of time. Still, I am determined to keep showing up for the story because I truly want to see it through to the end.
There has also been some exciting progress with my children's book series. The second book is completely finished, including all of the artwork, which feels like such a huge accomplishment. My plan is to have the first book reprinted and then move forward with publishing the second one. After that, I want to jump right into working on the third book. It is exciting to see these projects taking shape, even if the timeline has not been exactly what I imagined when the project started in 2020.
Life has a funny way of reminding us that our plans and reality do not always match. Living with a chronic illness means there are good days and difficult days, and it can be incredibly frustrating trying to balance everything. I had pictured myself accomplishing so much more this summer, but sometimes simply getting through the day has to be enough. Adding to that is the fact that I cannot drive. It is honestly the biggest frustration in my life, and it is something that is not going to change. Losing that independence affects more than just getting from one place to another. It changes how you plan your days, how spontaneous you can be, and sometimes even how connected you feel to the world around you.
There is another reason I have been feeling especially melancholy lately. The boys are about to start high school, and I simply cannot wrap my head around it. It feels impossible that we are standing at the beginning of what will likely be their final four years in school before adulthood comes calling. Parents always hear people say that the years fly by, but it is impossible to understand that until you are living it. There is a deep ache that comes with realizing how quickly childhood disappears. I find myself wishing I could slow time down just a little so I could soak in more of these moments before they become memories.
Maybe that is why August has always been my least favorite month. It feels like the Sunday of summer. There is still beauty to be found, but you cannot ignore the feeling that a season is coming to an end. The slower mornings, the late sunsets, and the carefree feeling of summer begin to fade as everyone starts looking toward fall and new routines. I always feel a little nostalgic this time of year, and this year even more so.
As I head into the next few weeks, I am hoping to find a better rhythm, both with my writing and with life. I am looking forward to getting back into my projects, sharing more updates, and hopefully crossing a few big goals off my list before the year ends. I am also looking for new women in business to feature, along with interesting stories from people who have taken unique paths, overcome challenges, or built something meaningful. If you know someone with an inspiring story, or if that someone is you, I would love to hear about it. There is nothing I enjoy more than sharing the journeys of people who remind us that perseverance, creativity, and hope can carry us through even the most challenging seasons.
