So, How’d It Go? 

Summer plans and long days have arrived. 

When it becomes more reasonable to watch the ladybugs meander across the blades of grass than to stay with the previous goals that seemed important during the long winter months. 

It’s as if I can push a button and I enter that mode to get through the day then I find flow.

The goals to achieve something on paper or lists that can be checked instead of watching a cloud go by. 

Or snip at rose bushes as more buds find their full bloom while watching brilliant paprika red pop out along a rock path. 

Then someone asks: So, how’d it go with your professional development goals? And you roll back into a mode of being that must somehow coexist with that outside world of growth. 

Can both be in place together? 

There is a space of work and of being in summer mode while sitting next to a loveliness of ladybugs for me. 

It involves being able to reflect on the moments while I’m in them. 

Letting memories come and sit with me, especially when summer plans are in the mix. 

Good, difficult, grief, joy filled memories. 

Being in the moment, remembering that summer is the time of year that brings me things that go together. 

Those things that go together for me are like a pool and splashing.

Like a horse and one more trail ride.

Like watching the clouds go by high overhead and then going inside to clean with the favorite vacuum.

I anticipate every summer beginning with a splash coming again, but how can it ever be the same.

My grief calendar works backwards as I watch the clouds go by and walk a new trail.

Summer and anticipatory grief.

They walk side by side now with me.

Let’s walk together this summer.

So, how’d it go?

Have you found that being in the moment, reflecting on what summer mode is for you, is a time for you to ask that same question? 

So, how’d it go? 

A question to think about as we are with people and ourselves each day. 

Watching the sun roll across the sky or a clock tick off the hours as another project is completed. 

When a time in our life seems to be never ending or suddenly at the end when we least expect it. 

This is when others may pop up with deep looks and ask more probing questions. A time when we may desire complete stillness or nearness as new mode comes upon us. 

It could also be the time to wait. Wonder and lean in for more while listening to what may be coming. 

This is when I love to pause and wait again. 

There are times when I want to keep talking and give more reasons for the ‘work’ that happens when all that is needed is for me to stay in summer mode.

It’s as easy as pushing the button to enter into the needed mode.

Wait. Listen. Pause. 

Watch the loveliness. 

Each of these times has come to me over many years. 

One time included watching a sunrise as I gathered with one other person as the true love of our life was escorted from our presence for a time. 

The air grew thinner in that moment and all we could do was stand, listen to the morning chirps of beloved birds and wait. 

There was no talk about how still the world was as it had completely changed in such a way, at such a time. 

Anticipatory grief had become complicated grief in a blink of an eye.

And then the question was asked: How’d it go? 

The loveliness that came with a look was astounding. Truly, some questions can come with grace and compassion. 

It was then that reflecting brought it together, again, for me. 

‘Summer will be on its way soon’ I thought at the time.

Splashes of water would somehow return with the summer mode of wonder along with watching clouds go by overhead. 

There would also be other modes to find, create and flow in and out of for the coming years. 

Yes, even modes to complete the goals with professional development when needed.

Summer mode is here now and continues to be one that gives me the pause needed to walk through my calendar of life and grief. 

Joy and loveliness. 

To watch for the pop of color and the blades of grass with more surprises. 

That is what I now know. 

Summer mode and goals as the question is asked: So, how’d it go?

Summer mode and goals can be together as the question is asked: So, how’d it go? 

The time to reflect on what this can be for you is now, or in ten minutes or when you are creating a splash with those you hold near. 

Find what is part of your loveliness today.