Summer has a way of sweeping us up in sunshine, adventures, and a pace that’s very different from our “everyday.” Whether you’ve spent it traveling, visiting with family, or simply soaking up slower mornings and long evenings, and going on retreats connecting with others..... the shift out of routine is both refreshing and disruptive.

And then—suddenly—it’s time to return. Back to work, back to schedules, back to using our brains in a different, more structured way. The transition isn’t always as smooth as we’d like. Even after joyful and fulfilling breaks, it can take time to recover. That’s normal.

The Importance of Honoring Yourself

It’s easy to feel frustrated if you forget an appointment, misplace your to-do list, or simply can’t find the rhythm you had before summer. But here’s the truth: you are good, just as you are. You are good enough—even in the middle of the messy re-entry.

Give yourself permission to honor the pause. That pause isn’t wasted time. It’s a chance for your mind to wander, for creativity to spark, and for rest to settle into your body.

Getting Back Into the Groove

Routines will return. Step by step, your brain and body will adjust back to the “typical grind.” And along the way, you may discover something surprising: because you took time away, new ideas, fresh perspectives, and unexpected solutions might show up.

A pause allows us to see our work, our schedule, and even our relationships with clearer eyes. It helps us appreciate what is working and nudges us toward small changes that could make things even better.

A Gentle Reminder

If you’re feeling off-track, confused about your calendar, or simply slower than you expected—let that be okay. Trust that you’ll soon find your rhythm again. The summer pause wasn’t a setback. It was a gift.

So, as you step back into your routine, carry this with you:

• You don’t have to rush.

• You don’t have to “make up for lost time.”

• You are enough, right now.

Because when we allow ourselves to pause, honor the moment, and gently return to our work, we don’t just pick up where we left off—we grow forward, refreshed and renewed.