The smell of honeysuckle in the air reminds me that soon summer break will be here. But how can that be? I’m not ready!

As I look at my son, I can tell he is so excited about summer. No school, no early mornings, no homework and more time for video games. I wish I could share his excitement. For me, summer is stressful. Each year I tell myself that it will get easier but it doesn’t. The end of the school year is a very stressful time for me. It’s when I feel the most guilt about choosing to work. It’s when I second guess myself and doubt my ability as a mom. It’s when I just want to curl up in a ball and cry.

I only have a few more summers before this handsome fella goes to college. I can let that simple fact defeat me or inspire me. I can focus on all the things I’ll miss out on because I am working or I can be grateful for the time I have with my son. I choose to be grateful. I don’t want to waste one more minute of this beautiful life I’ve been given.

The long days juggling work, swimming, chores and camps are exhausting but worth it and I am grateful. Teaching him what work is and how to set priorities and boundaries are important and I am grateful. Life lessons don’t come easy, but when he sees me living them out with a grateful heart then he too will learn to be grateful.

Inspire others and share how you maintain summertime work life harmony.