August

The month of birthdays, anniversaries and first days of school. When August would come as a kid, it meant birthday presents and a few more weeks of freedom in the summer sun before the new school year started. Summer was the best. It was sad to say goodbye to it but the thought of a new beginning with different classmates was exciting. As was buying a new trapper keeper. And new sweaters for fall.

Summer is different in Southern California. Or maybe it’s just different as an adult. We don’t get a real change of season. Or a real reason to change.

My recent birthday was not a significant number but, as usual, I reflected on the last year 33 years. How far have I come? Is this where I thought I’d be? What are my plans for the future? What do I want to do with my life (ideas welcome)?

We cling to new years, new jobs, birthdays…whatever reason we can to give ourselves a fresh start. It’s so hard to remember that, really, every day is a new beginning. Every minute. Every second.

So for this fresh start, I will try to remember that. To be more present. To not dwell on the past or figure out the future. Enjoy the summer sun. And be excited about the little things. Like watching my 9-month old discover a button or a shoelace.

Nothing is as exciting as that. Not even a new trapper keeper.