Opinion: Summer check-in

As I type this, I am accepting the unbelievable fact that summer is already nearly half over. Wow. It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating our graduates and planning for summer learning. Now June is ending and we are welcoming the month of July.

How are you doing? Are you enjoying yourself? Are you making time for self-care? Are you taking time to continue learning and creating? Consider this a check-in.

When considering these questions, I have to admit that I have not taken time for a vacation. Not yet. I plan to do so soon and in the meantime, I am finding joy in my daily interactions with team members, friends, community supporters and family.

Summer is extremely busy for Team Selma but that does not mean that we can’t have fun. Fun is strongly encouraged! Take a vacation and spend some time away if you can. Either way, laugh often and make great memories.

Self-care is a must. The last year and a half was tough for everyone and I hope that you made time to take care of yourself. Do it now. Keep it simple. Journal your thoughts or write an inspiring note to a friend. Get out for a morning walk, jog or bike ride. Invite a friend to make it social. Try yoga or another fitness class. We have wonderful options at our local gyms and there are plenty of online classes as well.

Call or visit with friends. Many of us missed impromptu visits and planned outings while we wore masks and practiced social distancing. It’s ok to start small and slow, but make it a point to find your old friends and make some new ones.

More from this section

Hospitalized woman hit with parking tickets despite permit

Cosmetic surgeon says popularity of penis fillers rising

Stars and Stripes shows how government-funded journalism can work – if it’s free to report the truth

Summer is a great time for learning and creating. A few months ago I started gardening. Now, to be clear, I had help from a Master Gardener from our Local Farm Cooperative. Even with help, it’s my garden now and picking fresh basil and tomatoes brings me much joy. I plan to learn more about gardening and cooking produce from my own backyard.

Writing for several hours a week has been great to challenge my creativity. Also, I have not given up my desire to learn to golf although that may be a late summer or fall venture. Have you learned anything new this season?

Check-in with yourself and your loved ones as we cruise through the last half of this summer. Whether you are an educator, parent, scholar or none of the above, each season gives us an opportunity to self-assess and revisit our priorities. Don’t allow this time to slip by without checking in. How are you doing?

Fortunately, we are seeing a decline in our COVID-19 numbers and we remain optimistic about resuming a sense of normalcy during our upcoming school year. Although the state mask mandate expired, for now Team Selma will continue to require masks when entering our schools and offices. We encourage you to join us in Doing Our Part Everyday. Stay safe and be DOPE!

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org