A Secret to Success as a Working Mom: Turn Burn Out Into Bliss and Embrace Joy

Last weekend my youngest was committed to going to the "Water Steps" a man-made water fall in Pittsburgh by the rivers. (Fun Fact: Three rivers converge in Pittsburgh--The Ohio River, The Monongahela River, and the Allegheny River.)  He kept asking. I knew he was serious when he said, "If you won't take me, I'll ask  daddy!" Given that it was highly unlikely that would happen on an unscheduled day, I relented. So, we went. It wasn’t planned in the way most things in my life are. No calendar block. No checklist. No “productive” purpose attached. And, so in some respects it was uncomfortable. And yet, it seemed necessary. It was the idea of my 8-year-old—offered with the kind of urgency only children possess when something is profoundly important to them.

Beach trips make summer more special!

Girl at Presque Isle State Park



Going to the beach is one of our favorite things to do during the summer. And although we prefer the ocean, any beach will do. Last summer, because of concerns about COVID19, we only made it to Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania. Still, because we had been locked up all year and the waves were high, we got our fix and it held us over till this summer. 

Building Sandcastles at Virginia Beach


This summer, we have a family trip planned to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where we plan to fellowship, play in the sand, and yes enjoy the ocean. Until then, these beach time memories will have to keep us going!  

Boy at Virginia Beach

This our first time visiting Outerbanks. I lived in North Carolina and never made it previously. So, I'm excited. I've also organized this trip for nearly my entire family and the expectations are high. So, please help me look good! If you've been to the Outer Banks, let me know what you love about it. This is going to be our first time visiting there!


Related Articles





 

Comments