Balance

I'm working on finding balance in my life this summer. My schedule is a bit up and down during the year. September starts to get busy. October and November are wildly busy; December is somewhat busy but starting to wind down; January and February are quieter; March and April and most of May are wildly busy; the rest of may and June are somewhat busy; July and August are quieter. 

That makes July and August (and to a lesser extent January and February) time to rest and recover from being surrounded by people all the time. It is also time to prepare for the next time of wildly busy.

The balance is in rest and prepare. What do I need to do to be ready for the next onslaught? What do I need to take care of that gets neglected during the busy times? And at the same time, how do I rest and recover from the very busy times? Is it okay to just stop for a while? How do I best rest?

I don't really have answers. I have lists of things that I want (and need) to accomplish this summer. I have looming deadlines (Sunday School starts in 5 weeks and 3 days). 

I also know that this is my off time, my time to rest and recharge. I don't yet know the best way to do this. I'm considering a few days of "staycation" where I shut off electronics and just stop for a while. Just me and my books, a new puzzle that's waiting to be built, some nice walks outside, the occasional nap, and time to reflect. And somehow without thinking about the things that I still need to accomplish this summer.

Balance. Between the things that I need and the things I need to do. Maybe this will be the summer that I find it.