Back to School means back to routines, back to consistency and back to a greater sense of normalcy in our household. In many ways, this is a wonderful thing since our boys thrive with better structure and predictability. They are also more productive with a routine which balances learning, athletics and social time. For me, our children returning to school also means a more balanced routine for me for the fall. But, if I am honest, I have to admit that I have really enjoyed the lack of structure in our household this summer. I have especially loved having our boys with me so much on a daily basis. They are maturing into funny, entertaining young men and I thoroughly enjoy hanging out with them, going on family trips together and spending time with them and their friends. I think the true adjustment this fall will be for me. I think I am going to be a little lonely without them during the day! My husband, Greg, will miss them also I know. But, he will be grateful for the peace and quiet in the house when he is on conference calls. That is always a challenge during the summer when the boys are home more often during his work hours. But, I bet if I asked him, he will say the same- our house is too quiet without Tommy’s singing, Matthew’s loud chatter from the other room and Connor hugging on and exciting the dogs in the kitchen. Obviously, I thrive on “busyness” and excitement and energy. I have never been one to slow down much but I think I need to on a more regular basis. Yoga, meditation, self-reflection, quiet mind- yes, I heard all of these suggestions from my coach earlier this week. I guess now is the time to embrace those activities since I will actually have some peace and solitude at home during the school day.
I have been reflecting this summer on changes I want to make for myself in the coming year. I talk a lot about life balance in my posts and the importance of finding an equilibrium between one’s own needs and those of other loved ones in life. I have found that my balance has fallen off during this season and I am feeling a little off center as a result emotionally, psychologically and physically. My focus for the next 4 weeks needs to be more self-focused and structured toward triathlon for my September races but then I am going to be making some changes. Everyone needs those moments of reflection to decide what the next step is in one’s life – how to reintegrate all those passions and pieces of self to recreate the equilibrium and entirety of one’s own picture. I am looking forward to taking a break from the structured training and racing for a bit and to reintegrate myself into other passions in my life. Perhaps this means going back into the classroom and teaching on a more full time basis. Maybe I will explore other avenues of coaching and how to integrate my love for that into an educational and school specific position. I feel like I have a lot of myself to give and I want to make sure I am doing so but in a way that does not leave me physically and psychologically drained. I want to find that balance again. Honestly, I am tired. There, I said it. I am tired. There’s nothing easy about being a Mom to three boys, training six days a week for 1-4 hours a day, coaching athletes, teaching classes at the rec center, running carpools, making meals, doing grocery shopping, emotionally supporting everyone in the family…..the list goes on. But, you know what? I am no different than any other Mom out there doing the same things! We are all tired! The key is to realize the limits of self and reestablish the boundaries so that you feel in sync once more so that you can feel successful, happy, rested and ready to go. It’s hard to feel positive and energized when your body is just plain tired. Rest, meditation, yoga, self-reflection. That all sounds wonderful to me and my body and mind crave it on a more regular basis. So, that is going to be a priority for me this fall.
Many people have asked me what the next step is for me in the coming year. I am looking forward to continuing to coach my athletes and volunteer my time for Girls on the Run, Pedaling for Parkinsons, Team in Training and other programs with which I have established long lasting relationships. I am also looking forward to reaching out and trying to do more in the community to foster the love of sport and help spread the message of what it can bring into one’s life – self-confidence, healthy lifestyle, independence, strength, happiness. I think this is vital- especially for the young women in our community. My focus is going to turn outward a bit more and I hope to give my body a little bit of a rest while energizing others to reach for their goals. And, of course, I have three young men at home who are busy, busy, busy. They are at the age where lacrosse, soccer, basketball, Crossfit and mountain biking are a huge part of their lives. I love being a part of all of this with them and it takes up the majority of our weekends these days. So, I continue to look forward to being the mom on the sidelines who is cheering and trying so hard not to yell too much and be embarrassing…..but, heck, I just really can’t help that. I am just so proud of our three sons. And, I want to always make sure that I am here and available whenever they need me to listen, talk, hug, support, laugh and even cry with them. That is and always will be my most important job and the one which brings me the most happiness. Raising kind and happy young men has been and always will be my biggest life goal.
As I finish typing this blog post, I am looking at the clock and realizing that I am right on time to start the first day of school. Time to get the ball rolling, wake some kiddos up and start our first day of the school year on a happy, excited and positive note! Welcome to the 2017-2018 year! I have a feeling it’s going to be a really wonderful one for all of the Culligans. Tommy’s alarm just went off and he came running out of his room with a huge smile on his face. Now, that is a great start to the day! Love. Love. Love.
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