The Fullness of August

The heat of summer intensifies this month which offers families the opportunity to pack the days with playful backyard activities, fire up the grill and enjoy the last few weeks of longer days. Backyard gardeners are busy trying to keep a step ahead of the quickly growing weeds while harvesting the bounty from their early spring plantings. It is a time to fit in the small trips that were planned over the winter, or, in light of the pandemic, create an inventive stay-cation event. And, of course, there’s cleaning out the garage to house our cars for the winter, which probably means organizing a garage sale.

This year school is also taking on a completely new look. For many families it’s still up in the air, take classes online, homeschool or venture into the school buildings? Communities are also considering extending the start of school to ensure children and faculty will be safe . . . yet another turn of events that has disrupted our “normal” routine. Regardless how this new school year looks, school supplies will still need to be purchased, as will new shoes and clothing. It’s a “rite of passage” that happens every year.

August brings a new chapter in the cycle of life as we prepare for the Fall Equinox that will herald in the harvest of Autumn. As we move into August now is a perfect time to consider the richness of summer activities and what they offered each of us, our families/friends. Take a few moments and reflect on the ways you and your family/friends adapted to the current situation. What was done differently and how were the activities modified? In this final month of summer, is there something you can still participate in that would add another memory to this most unusual year? And if a traditional event was unable to be offered, how did you and your family manage that? 

August may be the perfect time to talk to your friends and family about how the summer of 2020 will be remembered. Make certain to consider both aspects, both the downside and the upside. Life is always about balance; how have you and your family/friends managed this most “interesting” summer? 

Post in the comments below what creative ideas served as substitutes. It just might be something that spurs another person/family into trying the same type (or their own version) of your adventure. Remember, we’re all in this together!

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