6 Things I Learned This Summer

While we typically think of summer as a break from learning, this summer taught me some important things about myself, God, and life. The only reason I know this, however, is that I purposed to pay attention.

Emily Freeman has been encouraging this little practice, that honestly feels anything but little because it impacts me so much.

I say little only because it seems to fit into the little, quiet crevices of my mind. Remember those places? It’s easy to lose track of them. But when you explore them, look for them, keep your eyes open to them, you will be amazed at what you find.

And hearing what someone else learned may spark something beautiful that you have learned, too.

Here are 6 things I learned this summer:

Themes work well for me.

I do well with a plan. I stay motivated. I stay on track. The theme for the summer of favorite things helped me so much in my work. Things like this helped me have a great summer with my people. And this helps me read more purposefully.

My progress isn’t linear.

Don’t get me wrong, I want it to be. But the reality is it will never be. My guess is none of us are completely linear. I’m learning to embrace softer edges (in so many ways.)

Appreciate what you’ve done.

I’m looking back at what I’ve done. Without apology. Without listing all the things I could have done, should have done or wish I did better.

You do a lot of things. And we are so busy moving on to the next one that we never fully appreciate and recognize what we have accomplished.

I’m taking a breath and allowing my accomplishments bring a smile to my face, a drop to my shoulders, and an exhale to my lungs. It feels wonderful.

It’s okay to be quiet.

It really is as simple as that. I don’t have to have an answer, response or witty comeback for everything. There is value in quiet. It helps my soul breathe.

God always answers.

But it is rarely in a way I expect. I know this to be true, but too often I don’t recognize it until I’m looking in the rear-view mirror. Now I’m on the lookout for it, hoping to see it as it happens.

Iced Tea can preach.

I love a lightly sweetened iced tea in the summer. Bonus points if it’s green tea or fruity. And while it’s super fun to get one at the local coffee shop, it’s far cheaper brew my own or to pick some up at the store and keep in the fridge. (Like this favorite I’ve mentioned before.)

This Honest Tea fits the bill perfectly, plus it taught me something I needed to know: “Small decisions. Big impact.” It says it right there on the side of the bottle. And it was exactly the reminder that this girl needed.

What about you, friend? Tell me something you’ve learned this summer!

The things we learn each season help us know how to live our best life in the next season. 
#summer #lessons #learning #faith #icedtea #drinks #quiet #peace #soul

Check out these great sites I’m linking up with: Literacy Musing MondaysPurposeful FaithTea & Word TuesdayAbounding GraceTell His StoryPorch StoriesLet’s Have CoffeeWorth Beyond RubiesMoments of HopeTune in ThursdayDance with JesusFresh Market FridayFaith ‘n FriendsBlogger Voices NetworkGrace & TruthHeart Encouragement

Author: Rebecca Hastings

Rebecca is a writer and speaker encouraging women to find real faith that works in real life. A wife and mother of three in Connecticut, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places or wherever there is chocolate.

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