Going With the Flow

The Lazy River and Letting Go

As I was growing up, every year between Kindergarten and 8th grade the transition from the school year to summer was marked by a schoolwide trip to the amusement park Dorney Park and water park Wildwater Kingdom.

It was one of the days I simultaneously most looked forward to (water slides, yay!) and most feared (roller coasters... ahh!). My whole family would pack the cooler and car up and head off for an exciting and exhausting day in the heat, standing in long lines for rides before eventually making our way to cool off at the water park in the afternoon.

My friends, sisters, and I would battle jumping over waves in the tidal pool, scream our way down big splash log flume rides, and finally settle into blow up tubes for the lazy river.

I can always remember finishing the day with that seemingly boring trip down the riverway that snaked around the park. Flowing and floating along, all you had to do was hold on, lie still, and relax. You knew that without much effort, the water would gently push you exactly where you needed to go.

This week the image of the lazy river came to mind.

It wasn't because things have been lazy! If anything, I've got a substantial to-do list in the works right now. But I was thinking about the way I want to navigate this summer of activities and responsibilities while still embracing my vacation vibe.

Life and things are in motion, and there is no paddling against it!

I'm reminding myself that there are many things I can do to keep myself afloat. Things like ample nutrition, movement, rest, and connection. And of course, planning and effort are like making sure I’ve got my swimsuit and sunscreen on and that the tube has handles within reach.

But ultimately, a certain amount of giving up control and going with the flow is absolutely necessary.

There has to be some trust that the momentum I've created will keep moving me in the direction I am meant to go. After all, if we are constantly fighting the current and trying to control every little detail, we end up completely exhausted and missing the joy of the ride. 

This week, taking a metaphorical dip in the lazy river looks like keeping a mindful balance between productivity and being gentle with myself. Luckily, knowing I can dance along with you is also built in time for destressing and keeping present in the moment with fun!

What does going with the flow look like for you this week? Where can you loosen your grip just a little bit and trust the current of life?

It flowing and keeping afloat happens on the dance floor, see you there this week!

Keep moving!

xx,

Katie