Summer Adventures: What Intermittent Hiatus Taught Me
For years, I would take a full summer hiatus, a chance to slow down, recharge, and soak in the season. This year, I’m calling it an intermittent hiatus. You’ll still see me sharing stories and updates throughout the summer, but I’m also making space to embrace the adventures, surprises, and lessons that this season always seems to bring.
One recent adventure was a kayaking trip with my twins. What started as a simple day on the water quickly became something much more memorable.
Like many family outings, things didn’t go exactly as planned. We encountered obstacle after obstacle along the way. There were moments when the route felt more challenging than expected, moments that tested our patience, and moments when we had to work together to figure out what came next.
But somewhere along the way, I realized that the obstacles were becoming the experience.
The unexpected twists gave us opportunities to problem-solve together. The challenges created moments of laughter we’ll be talking about for years. What could have been a frustrating day became one filled with memories, teamwork, and reminders that some of life’s best moments happen when plans go off course.
As parents, it’s easy to focus on making everything perfect for our kids. We want smooth sailing, happy memories, and experiences that unfold exactly as we imagined. But often, the moments that shape us most are the ones we never could have planned.
As we head into the Fourth of July, I’m reminded of how special this season really is. This year carries even more meaning as our country begins celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. It’s a milestone that invites us to reflect on where we’ve been, appreciate the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy, and look ahead with hope for the future.
While fireworks, parades, and backyard gatherings are wonderful traditions, I think the heart of the holiday is gratitude. Gratitude for family. Gratitude for community. Gratitude for the moments, both big and small, that bring us together.
That’s part of why I’m embracing this idea of an intermittent hiatus. Summer isn’t just about stepping away from work. It’s about stepping into life. It’s about making room for adventures, creating memories with the people we love, and allowing ourselves to be fully present even when things don’t go according to plan.
My hope for you this season is simple: enjoy it.
Take the trip. Explore somewhere new. Spend time with the people who matter most. Put down the to-do list now and then and say yes to an experience, even if it comes with a few unexpected detours.
Because sometimes the obstacles become the memories. Sometimes the challenges become the stories. And sometimes the best parts of summer are the moments we never planned at all.
As you celebrate this Fourth of July, I hope you find time to slow down, soak in the season, and create memories that will last long after summer ends.
Enjoy the season, friends. I’ll be popping in throughout my intermittent hiatus, but for now, I’m focused on making memories and savoring every bit of summer I can.
