Mediocre (At Best) Summer - modernfamilyblog.com

Forget about the #UltimateSummer. This year, I’m all in for a Mediocre (At Best) Summer. My expectations have plummeted significantly.

A few mornings ago, I glanced out my front window and spotted a plump, beautiful tabby lounging in my driveway. She had that effortless pose that only cats can achieve—body stretched out and relaxed, looking as if she had all the time in the world. She yawned, rested one paw on the pavement, and surveyed her surroundings with a disinterested grace.

I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

That cat appeared so at ease, so free from the burdens of life. In fact, she reminded me of a feline version of George Clooney. (It’s telling that in my mind, I struggled to think of a female star that exudes such nonchalance.) I would have gladly traded places with her for a few sun-soaked hours. But eventually, reality set in, and I returned to the mundane task of preparing my daughter’s lunch while scrolling through my packed Google calendar.

How did I reach a point where I fantasized about becoming a stray cat? My reasons might sound all too familiar: a few years navigating the stormy seas of a pandemic, grappling with political unrest, and witnessing the slow erosion of basic rights. My professional life feels like a rollercoaster where I often find myself flat on my back. And believe me, I’m among the fortunate ones who didn’t lose a loved one or my income. So, in short, I’m exhausted. We’re all exhausted, and have been for far too long.

Yet, in the background, there’s that relentless mantra we’ve been hearing since childhood: Be the best you can be. Well, right now, I don’t have the energy for “the best,” thank you very much. I haven’t for quite some time.

Last summer was supposed to be all about living your best life; for me, it felt anything but. I was still haunted by the weight of everything happening around us. I had dreams of donning my best summer outfit and enjoying margaritas with friends on a rooftop. I also envisioned writing a bestselling novel, embarking on hiking adventures, and mastering homemade sweet potato gnocchi. But, honestly, I could barely muster the motivation to get through each day. And when fall rolled around, I felt a pang of guilt for not seizing the day as social media suggested I should.

This summer, however, I’m not aiming for #theultimateSummer. Instead, I’m hoping for #aboredSummer. To me, boring signifies no tragedy, no overwhelming anxiety about our children’s futures, and a break from the chaos. My expectations have dropped significantly. I’m fully committed to embracing mediocrity this season.

So what does this look like? I’m channeling that lazy cat I saw. There will be no grand ambitions or excessive appointments—just the essential and the joyful. My daughter and I will allow our days to unfold naturally. No tedious craft projects involving endless toilet paper rolls or messy air clay (unless we feel like it). No workbooks. We’ll indulge in sticky popsicles and might even forget to shower. Sleeping in will be a priority, and I’ll strive to reduce my screen time. If we wind up at the end of a day with nothing noteworthy to report? I’ll call that a triumph. Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of the fact that summer is meant for rest—both for kids and parents.

While we still have responsibilities—providing meals, shelter, and some fun—we can do so with less pressure and expectation. I understand that not every parent can step back as they wish, but surely we can all ease the burden of unnecessary stress in our lives.

When fall arrives, I’ll return to the grind of productivity and setting personal goals. I’ll pull out the sight words, set the alarm, and tackle my daunting to-do lists. After all, #aboredSummer shouldn’t last forever. But for a little while, we can all embrace a touch of mediocrity.

Using the term mediocrity may seem negative, but in truth, prioritizing mental health and conserving your energy for when it truly matters is anything but mediocre; it’s extraordinary. In these trying times, simply surviving is the most remarkable thing any of us can accomplish.

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In summary, this summer, I’m trading in lofty ambitions for a simpler, more relaxed approach. I’m embracing the idea of having a boring summer, filled with downtime and a break from the relentless pressure to do it all. As we recharge, we can look forward to the return of our regular productivity come fall, but for now, let’s celebrate the beauty of mediocrity.

Keyphrase: Mediocre Summer

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