News and Highlights
COURTNEY’S CORNER
This is where I’ll be sharing thoughts and reflections on a range of topics including relationships with friends and family, finances, parenting and step-parenting. I encourage your feedback, questions and suggestions on future topics of interest to you. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to your mailing list. And invite your friends to sign up on the “Stay in Touch” section of the homepage of www.CoachCourtney.com so they may receive their own complimentary subscription.
Hi there,
Well, summer’s almost here and I don't know about you but I am as excited as the kids. I can hardly wait to have a break from the 6:30 wake-up call, the rush to get to school on time, the 3:00 carpool line, the hour of homework and all the extra activities. Not to mention all my professional projects. I am so ready to slow down!!!! How about you? I’m ready for some easy, restful, relaxing hanging out!
Every summer I’m tempted to load up the calendar with all kinds of activities: camps, lessons, trips, etc. But this year, I’ve made myself a promise that family fun comes first and I intend to protect these precious moments. Especially since my second-grade daughter Mikael will be moving up to the “big” campus at her school in the fall. Which means that Mikael will soon have more homework, more responsibilities and more after-school activities. Which means that she’ll have less time for Tom and me.
I so know how fast they grow up and how quickly this time goes by. I experienced this with my step-children, Kasey and Taylor (now 25 and 23). I remember all the summer fun we had and how quickly it was replaced with all their activities--like cheerleading and baseball. It won't be long until Mikael will have other things to do besides hang out and swim with Mom.
So for the next few months, I’ve made a conscious decision to keep my professional commitments to a manageable level so I can still enjoy plenty of time with my fast-growing girl. I’m going to worry less about getting things done. And focus more on enjoying what I’m doing. Including lying by the pool, cooking healthy meals and just playing with my kids and husband. Because saying “no” to some activities means I’ll be able to say “yes” to the things that really matter.
I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “When your time is up, you’re not going to look back and wish you’d spent more time at the office and less time with your family.” So why not join me in picking the slow-lane this summer? Watch movies, play games, grill outdoors, chase the ice cream truck, and take that family vacation--even if you just drive to Galveston or go camping. Get away with the family somewhere with no phones and no emails. Have fun – and I mean that!
Happy summer,
Courtney
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