Back to School: Cheers & Tears

Years ago I read an article in some trashy magazine or other about a couple of friends who started a neighborhood back-to-school drop-in brunch.  Moms from all over the neighborhood would come by on their way to drop their kids off on the first day of school or after they'd dropped them off just to chat, support each other, check their phones constantly to make sure their little ones weren't falling apart, and have a mimosa or two if they were in a celebratory mood.  Yes, some parents are celebrating the day school begins again and some are racked with worry, so this yearly brunch was really all about just being there for each other in whatever that meant--raising a glass or shedding some tears, or both.  My children were homeschooling at that time, so I didn't have the same experience, but I did file that tidbit away for the day when the would attend school

Mr. Bleu is also back to school this fall.  His schedule is entirely full and I rarely see him either. So, I suddenly find myself with so much time and an empty house.  What to do?  Well, I could mope and believe me when I say the temptation is there, but I'd rather look on the bright side and see this as an opportunity, a beginning of a new chapter rather than the closing of the old.  This year instead of being sad that both my babies are in high school and by the end of the year they won't even need a ride anymore, I've decided to celebrate.

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not glad they're going back to school; I'm always sad to see them go.  However, instead of bemoaning things I can't control, I choose to see the positive side of things and the first and foremost is that I now have more quiet time all to myself and I intend to do some of the things that have been put on hold for the past decade and a half.

There's a morning yoga class that's just started up close to home that sounds heavenly.  There are several recipes that I've wanted to try for months, but can't get anyone else in my family on board, so I think I'll make them for my solo lunches.  And there are a few hobbies I've wanted to resume but haven't managed to find the quiet time to do them.  

We can't always help changes coming our way and ending life as we know it.  There are many times in life when the only control we have is over our own reactions and perceptions.  The apostle Paul once said, "for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11).  It's important to note that he wrote that verse while in prison!  And while there are times when finding contentment is in itself a huge victory, if at all possible, I'd rather go a step beyond contentment and find enjoyment and laughter in whatever circumstances I find myself.

So, yes, back-to-school is here again and my emotions are rather mixed, but I'm making plans of my own.  I'm celebrating with my children as they grow and find their own way, develop their own lives and interests.  And, I'm turning my attention back to my own life once again to develop into the person that I want to be.  In that way, even though I won't be in class, I'm learning too.

Shopping Info:  Sugarhill Boutique Sweater from ThredUp, BCBG Heels and Map Skirt from Poshmark