The DONE List
"People actually get more depressed in the summer in Arizona."
By people. I meant me. I was sitting across a table from the pastor of a farm church in California at a conference in San Diego, trying to explain some of the differences in my particular ministry context.
"I mean, it's like seasonal affective disorder. But the seasons are switched. We're out and about in the winter there. Summer is actually when we hibernate."
This lady seemed fascinated. But also, maybe it was just because she was a really good pastor and used to listening like that. But it kind of felt good to say it. To give a real reason to this vague funk that tends to hit by late July or early August when we just. can't. take. it. any. more.
I have shared often that we Arizonans pride ourselves on being extra tough and being able to handle temperatures that literally melt anything left outside too long. I'm not talking crayons...I'm talking furniture. Toys. Shoes. We laugh when our friends from other places whine when it gets anywhere close to 100 degrees. "Just 100?! That's sweater weather!"
But Arizonans...can we be real for a second? This is hard. It's hard on our bodies, it's hard on our psyche, it's hard on our relationships. It's silly to pretend it's not. This is not meant to be complaining but rather just recognizing.
It never fails. I start the summer with big goals and dreams for the next eight weeks. After all, it's only like 100 degrees at that point. Yet, by the end of July, I feel like I'm lugging a heavy backpack around labeled "the heat", slowing me down and making me feel weak and lethargic. Last week in San Diego I would walk double my usual steps (uphill both ways somehow!) and have energy to spare. But since returning, within three or four hours I'm on the couch with an electrolyte beverage, wondering how to motivate myself to do the things.
After years of finding myself in this same funk at the same time every year, I'm learning to accept this is a "normal" and temporary state. And, honestly, that makes a huge difference. It helps me give myself a little grace and patience. But I've also developed some better time management strategies that take this midafternoon slump into account.
And now we make a "done" list. Because I think some of the funk at the end of the summer also comes from feeling I didn't do enough. Didn't justify my time off from my side hustle (subbing), didn't savor my kids' last few years at home enough, or all that stuff. But often that's because summer is a little more spontaneous. And those "interruptions" that caused me to feel like I was falling short actually add up into quite a spectacular list after all.
Last night we sat down and wrote that list. And between us all it was actually pretty long!
The boys attended Elev8 with their youth group,
I went to a book signing for Cristina Jimenez's book, "Dreaming of Home", where one of my besties, Pearl, also was able to speak as part of the hosting organization,
I helped our church put together a successful back-to-school supply drive for TWO of our local title 1 schools,
Mo went to MCC every day for two weeks for a choir camp,
I attended District Assembly,
Together we planned, prepped, staffed, taught and wrapped up infant and toddler care for our District's Family Camp in Prescott,
We did a staycation at a resort over the Fourth of July with Dan's Dad, our boys, my Mom, sister, and brother-in-law, where we swam and watched fireworks and played games,
Our church hosted card game and coloring events at our local library,
We babysat for nieces, and nephews, and kids from our church family,
We made multiple trips to H Mart to try new and interesting foods, which included a kid-led cooking afternoon,
I discovered three new-to-me, amazing coffee shop/bakeries, and had meet ups/catchups with at least 11 different people,
Mo and I went to the city pool with friends,
Daniel watched his friend ride an actual bull, bought a car (from us), and went to Top Golf,
Moses went to lots of discounted movies with friends,
I read some novels for fun, and binge-watched multiple shows, which I guess is something I don't necessarily have time for throughout the year.
Dan, Moses and I traveled to San Diego which included attending conferences, meeting up with old friends, SeaWorld (Moses), a ferry ride to Coronado (me and Dan), and the San Diego Zoo (the three of us).
Just looking at this list fills me with gratitude. I know that I've been given some amazing opportunities that are different and unique. And, on those days when I just can't even with this heat anymore, I can remember that I HAVE done a lot and that if bears and lizards can hibernate or semi-hibernate when the weather is unbearable, I can hibernate a little sometimes too.
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