As we close to the tip of summer time 2023, I’ve been reflecting quite a bit on what these previous few months have meant to me. The large factor this summer time has proven me is that it’s doable to be going via a troublesome, making an attempt interval and nonetheless discover a lot pleasure. It’s proven me that two issues can exist on the identical time. This realization has given me loads of confidence as I face what it means to become older—to have extra tasks and extra issues to fret about.
Even when a worst-case state of affairs occurs, I do know I nonetheless have so many fantastic issues to be glad about. Quite a lot of that is due to privilege, but loads of it has come from making the selection to not hand over on the components of life that matter most to me just because I’m consumed by concern. I could be afraid and nonetheless rise up day by day, transfer ahead, and dwell life as totally as doable.
As we speak I’m recapping this summer time of transformation and sharing what the previous few months have seemed like in my life.
June
June was a very busy month. I did my greatest to help my children as college ended and so they moved into their summer time routines, whereas additionally making an attempt to navigate the ups and downs that got here with transitioning my enterprise and shutting a giant chapter with my crew.
I felt actually numb all through loads of this month. In the midst of June, we made the announcement that Wit & Delight could be evolving into a brand new chapter, and I had a full-on breakdown. I’ve by no means been extra scared. I had some actually troublesome conversations and I realized that the one factor you are able to do when issues break down like that’s to have grace for everybody concerned. This time interval felt like an ego dying.
As I attempted to navigate via the modifications, I discovered durations of pleasure within the in-between moments. On June 9, Joe and I went with a number of pals to Chicago for the Useless & Firm live performance. I loved time in our new entrance yard. I introduced the 9 Pines design challenge—one thing I’m so excited to be engaged on.
All through the month, I spent loads of time exterior. I went to dinner events with pals, together with a stunning dinner hosted by Brooke Faudree. I walked so many miles and performed loads of tennis. Our household had a pizza night time at a close-by pizza farm. We went to the pool a ton. I ran within the rain with the children. We celebrated Joe as he began a brand new job.
July
July kicked off with an prolonged household trip in Hilton Head. I believed happening trip was going to imply I may totally unwind, however this was not the truth. I used to be confronted with loads of triggers from members of the family—one thing that was nobody’s fault. We simply fall into previous patterns typically. I felt loads of my success fall into query due to the alternatives I had made in June. I questioned my skill to do that subsequent part alone. I thought of getting a company job and setting this area apart solely. It was a complete “Who am I?” second.
This month, I began to get actually nervous about all the modifications I’d made with Wit & Delight. Summer time has at all times been a very gradual time when it comes to incoming alternatives, however I didn’t know what this slowness would truly really feel like this 12 months. The clever a part of me knew these modifications wanted to occur however my ego positively didn’t take the quiet nicely. It was humbling, however one thing I wanted to face and begin to course of.
Amid all of this reflection and doubt, there have been some fantastic highlights. I took some unimaginable morning walks at dawn. When Joe was out of city for work, I took the children out for pizza and ice cream. It felt actually significant to share these candy little moments with them.
I realized the virtues of wide-leg slouchy trousers and located the proper little black gown, which I’ve worn 4 occasions already. I made my favourite potato salad recipe. I watched all of Wimbledon and noticed the Barbie film—even with all the hype main as much as it, I used to be nonetheless blown away. I learn Her Physique and Different Events by Carmen Maria Machado. It’s my favourite e-book I’ve learn this 12 months to date. Her writing reignited the starvation in me to specific myself via phrases once more.
On July 9, I went to one in all my favourite eating places, Myriel, to rejoice their second anniversary. The meals was scrumptious and the area was lovely as at all times. On July 16, the celebrations continued as we threw August an epic seventh celebration within the yard.
On the work entrance, I obtained all the new Wit & Delight planners I designed for 2024. It was so enjoyable to see them in individual after the lengthy design course of. They’ll be that can be purchased beginning this fall! I additionally finalized loads of design particulars for the 9 Pines challenge and shared some colourful design updates in our basement household room.
On the finish of July, we went as much as Lutsen for our annual journey with Joe’s facet of the household. I had the most effective sandwich on the drive up at Northern Waters Smokehaus. We ate numerous good meals and spent loads of time exterior. Yearly, I respect the simplicity of this journey increasingly more.
August
In August, readability started to emerge for me round the place I’m at with work and the content material I need to create, notably because it pertains to my publication, Home Name. I discovered myself feeling extra enthusiastic about what’s to come back and discovering it simpler to get right into a circulate state with work.
On August 1, I went to Goodwill and located an incredible set of canary yellow dishes. I’m so excited to entertain with them on numerous events to come back. Talking of entertaining… I additionally launched a line of tabletop linens this month! I love how all the patterned items turned out. You possibly can store them now via September 13 on Etsy.
This month, we had a number of epic afternoon thunderstorms and I cherished each second. Attending to expertise the combo of thunderstorms and beautiful, sunny summer time days has been actually particular. I’m so grateful to have a mind that may entry such delight for each side of the spectrum.
On August 7, Birdie had surgical procedure to take away her tonsils and adenoids. The surgical procedure went nicely however the restoration was considerably troublesome. After every week or so, she was feeling so a lot better, and her respiration and sleeping improved dramatically in comparison with pre-surgery.
On the studying entrance, I dove into Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and cherished it a lot. I’ve discovered fantasy books to be such a constructive escape for me in occasions once I’m feeling adrift. It’s a lighter strategy to help me via troublesome occasions.
I performed tennis extra days of the week than not. The method of studying to play tennis has taught me quite a bit about have a extra trusting relationship with my physique. It’s taught me to stay calm, even in consistently altering circumstances, and to belief that I’ll know react. On the courtroom and off, I’ve been studying loads of classes via the act of not giving up.
This summer time has felt totally different than summers previous. I’ve that twinge of melancholy that comes with the back-to-school season, but in addition a way of aid to be transferring on.
This summer time has felt totally different than summers previous. I’ve that twinge of melancholy that comes with the back-to-school season, but in addition a way of aid to be transferring on. Issues felt slower, heavier, and harder than standard via a lot of the season. I stored fascinated by how I wanted to be in this area, not run away from it. Ultimately, I believe it was an actual present to take issues slower and never attempt to numb the difficult mixture of happiness and disappointment that drummed via the background of all our enjoyable summer time moments. I could be in the midst of a very difficult time and nonetheless discover methods to carry pleasure to my life. I’m so grateful for that lesson.
Editor’s Observe: This text accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. Wit & Delight makes use of affiliate hyperlinks as a income to fund the operations of the enterprise and to be much less depending on branded content material. Wit & Delight stands behind all product suggestions. Nonetheless have questions on these hyperlinks or our course of? Be at liberty to e-mail us.
Kate is the founding father of Wit & Delight. She is at present studying play tennis and is perpetually testing the boundaries of her inventive muscle. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.