The month of May is notoriously busy and stressful – now coined “May-cember” by some as the equally demanding cousin of holiday madness month, December. So, I invite all to take a collective exhale!
May is when everything seems to conclude in rapid succession, so it is a full force juggling act to balance both performance and presence in the moment.
The school year wraps. Spring sports head into playoffs and championship games. Business teams push toward quarter-end goals. Exams, graduations, recitals, celebrations, vacation plans, theme days, end-of-year gifts (and even Mother’s Day!) all find real estate in our already over-stimulated brains.
Most of our Ideba colleagues wear multiple hats and get to experience the MAYhem in full swing. With littles, I have been reflecting on this – particularly anticipation vs. completion.
Think about Fridays. Friday afternoons carry the excitement of possibility. The weekend is ahead of you. Plans are still unfolding as you finish off the work/school week. By Sunday evening, however, the anticipation has faded and thoughts start drifting toward Monday’s commitments and the next week ahead.
Now that June has arrived, we feel a bit of a void (a nice one in fact, but a dramatic change of pace). It’s an interesting phenomenon that the anticipation of something is often more enjoyable than the “thing” itself. Featuring my son’s artwork here – with the shades forecasting what is in store for summer (fishing and camping with ant-like snowmen, apparently) – I realize that this is ingrained in us early. The drawings didn’t feature his accomplishments necessarily but what was next. The future.
Anticipation gives us energy. It keeps us moving forward in a chase for the reward. It helps us push through all seasons of life. In the midst of moving the goal post again this June, take a moment to reflect on the magnitude of your accomplishments and drop us a line.
What was your version of May-cember like this year? We’d love to hear the stories, celebrations, and small joys that helped you cross one finish line and look to the next!
Leah McQuillan – Consulting Manager
