,
Symbolic activities, signifiers, rituals completed to commemorate a significant task that has been completed. I've been thinking about this recently as a colleague asked me how I transition from the end of the school year to my summer, and I had to give it some thought. As he shared his annual must-anticipated activity, I began to realize
I need to come up with something as well.
Much like the celebratory gatherings after big hurdles have been accomplished, and even the daily rituals we incorporate into our daily lives to set the tone for the day or signal to our brain that it's time to unwind, symbolic activities, whether for big, small or
in between events, are worth taking the time to cultivate.
Maybe it is the first ski down the slopes after the first snow of the season, and as you journey to the mountain you indulge in a special cup of hot chocolate, sing your favorite song and make sure your skis are properly waxed. Or maybe when
the first daffodils come up in the spring, you pull out your favorite vase, dust it off and splurge on a beautiful, exquisite bouquet to place on your dining room table that would make even Elle Decor envious.
The activity for me with teaching is to celebrate the year, the closure to a year
and all of its highs, lows and in betweens. To celebrate completion and pat myself (yourself) on the back for pushing through the exhaustion, confusion and in this year's case, the newbie, wobbiliness of it all. Whatever task or job or responsibility you've taken on, perhaps you too have a symbolic way of celebrating the end. Something to look forward to, something to enjoy and something that isn't done regularly, but you allow yourself to indulge without apology.
I read in The English Home latest issue, in the "Mrs. Minerva Writes . . . " column a simple observation about country dogs. They (dogs) eat well "because it is understood that a well-fed dog is a generally a
well-behaved dog." And perhaps we need to think of this in terms of humans also. When we take care of ourselves, when we tend to recognize we need special care after arduous tasks or jobs well done, perhaps we need to become comfortable with creating and enjoying symbolic moments or events. For it is when we allow ourselves to indulge from time to time that it make sit easier and more natural to then come back to being moderate and appreciate those special times. We no longer
fill deprived, but rather satisfied. Instead of jumping from one busy schedule to the next without a symbolic shift that is luxurious or a treat, why not welcome into our lives symbolic opportunities to pat ourselves on the back so we have the energy, the renewed spirit to step forward with enthusiasm into whatever else we must do?
So today, contemplate situations that may be deserving of a symbolic indulgence, and then be sure to put them on your calendar so that you can look forward to them.
In this week's newsletter be sure to tune into this week's episode of the podcast where a
giveaway of a fantastic book I cannot recommend more highly is available to a lucky winner. Be sure to enter by Sunday, and you can read/listen to a complete review of the book here. Also an extra post full of Style Inspiration for summer, and a few of my thoughts as I shift into the summer months here on the blog. And for
Francophiles, Wednesday's Why Not . . . ? involves decor and the French aesthetic. Shopping items that will bring a touch of France to your home, no matter where you live.
What a full and wonderful week it has been. I hope yours has been fantastic as well. May your weekend be
just as lovely, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog.
Shannon
