Words that Rhyme with June: A Busy Mother’s Prayer

Swoon

Balloon

Tune

Croon

Noon

Doubloon

I wonder, dear reader, what are your associations with June? 

I associate June with presence and rest. Though both my kids won’t be all the way out of school until nearly halfway through the month, there’s still something about the combination of warm, sunny weather and the easing of school-year demands this month that whispers freedom. 

And maybe even hope.

Perhaps this is why I found myself sending up the following prayer when June arrived:

May June be a month I play
with letting my “soon”s be now. 

A month of releasing stale should’s
to go play in the grassy twilight of more than enough. 

To give myself over to beauty and delight
in whatever in-between time I can find it:
—The soft sweetness of ripe berries from the farmer’s market
—A lazy float on a hot afternoon
—The birdsong outside my window 
—The hour spent stretched out with a good book
when I could be washing the dishes instead

May I give myself permission this June
to place a gentle bookmark in my schemes
for “getting ahead” and “getting things done”
for purposes of stretching and strengthening
my muscles of receiving: 

Some presence
Some rest
Some freedom
Some hope

In the cocoon
of June

Wishing you all receive something you truly need this June.

---

For Your In-Between Times (ICYMI)

Last week I wrote a brief exploration of Enthusiasm with some research, a quote or two I love, and some ways to boost your enthusiasm. Definitely for you if you’re feeling burnt out or struggling to “stay with” some challenging tasks you’re facing these days:

I wrote about a routine I’ve been trying called “rebound time.” Something about naming it, putting it in an unexpected place in my calendar, and intentionally exploring what replenishes me has worked wonders in helping me maintain some mental and emotional balance in an extremely hectic month.

Honestly, I’m still so excited about unlocking ways to feel, manage, and express anger, y’all! If you’ve struggled with anger in the past and you missed this post, check it out.

---

Questions of the Week

1. What’s your plan for “giving yourself over” to beauty and delight this month?

2. What’s the current status of your “receiving” muscles? Any tips for someone trying to strengthen or stretch theirs (like me!)?