As my head hit my pillow, it dawned on me that I had only 10 more summers with my oldest child. This realization jarred me a bit and then ignited me. Ten seems so little and yet also feels vast and full of opportunity. I began to think through what I’d like the next ten summers to look like.

I was talking to a friend and reflecting on how I felt a bit more content in one of our busiest summers yet. I was surprised when the words, “It’s because I’m unpacking,” came out of my mouth. I was first surprised, because I was unsure what I meant and second, because of the complete POSITIVE impact this has had on my summer… really MY overall LIFE. 

I’ve had a few people kindly and gently ask me about the quality of my thought life lately. So, I thought I better take notice. I began by simply becoming aware of my thoughts for a day, then two. I then began to become aware of my thoughts around certain people and of my thoughts when I feel happy or sad or triggered. I found this experiment fascinating, humbling, laughable, and it brought me to tears.