Here we are, going through the August edit and it means that summer is over. And I can’t quite believe it. It went by both really fast and also a little slow. As I was doing my best to keep my intention for this summer – to live a vibrant summer – and I was cramming in as much as I was able to into every single day, I remember feeling the days slipping through my fingers. It never felt like truly enough time. At the same time, I am looking back and I am happy with how much I squeezed into the summer. There were a couple of trips – like New York and Spain, I picked up running, stayed pretty consistent with working out and going to yoga classes, pushed forward a few big projects at work, went on plenty of coffee walks, brunches, summer and birthday parties and overall made a lot of memories.
What wrapped up summer so nicely for me was the almost two weeks I recently spent in Spain. I decided on a whim to go home to visit family and friends and it was a perfect decision. I didn’t know I needed this trip so much, and I am so glad it worked out in the end. Aside from seeing family and friends, my highlight has been squeezing in a few days at the beach – five to be more precise – which were a pure blessing. Feet in the sand and head in my books, these few days grounded and reenergized me and fed my soul. I was never a beach person, although I spent half of my life living in a beach city. I enjoyed it every now and then but it was never an obsession. Ever since I left though days by the beach have felt a little bit more precious. And this summer it just hit differently. So this right here is a promise not to skip summer holidays at the beach ever again.
Actually, summer is not over in Berlin yet because we still have at least one more week of summer-like weather. Although I must admit I want to skip forward to fall weather and vibes because I am so ready for it. So with that said, I am looking forward to autumn. It’s probably my favourite season and although it always feels too short in Berlin, I enjoy it so much. I cannot wait to wear all my knits, take out my loafers, and even the coats soon enough. I don’t have any big travel plans for the rest of the year except for a work conference in September, so I will try to lay low for a bit and enjoy my routines before the cold kicks in.
Food for thought: Go lightly through life
Part of why I probably got so recalibrated at the beach this summer must have to do with the books I was reading that made me reflect a lot. Both books I was reading were coincidentally focused on relationships between sisters and those between children and parents and these topics are usually a lot on my mind. So reading the books felt a little bit like a therapy session for me because they triggered me and it led to a lot of reflection. There is one thing I am taking away from one of the books (“Blue Sisters”) and wanted to share it here. And that’s to learn to “go lightly” through life. This resonated with me so much and I think that’s my ultimate goal in life. To go lightly through life and carry myself lightly.
If you follow me you might know I champion the daily joys and the little things. And I will also say that I am also privileged to be able to do so. With a supportive partner by my side, it’s somewhat easier to live life on my own terms and to be able to reflect on things and enjoy the little things. But it wasn’t always the case. It was a long journey to get here and to get to be happy with myself and with my life. I certainly don’t come from a privileged background but I am building a privileged life for myself. One that is made out of daily choices that allow me to live a happy life.
I don’t want a life of suffering. Neither self-induced nor imposed. And yes, hardships will come my way, they have and they still will. It’s the nature of life. No matter how much we are trying to build perfect worlds around ourselves, stuff will happen. But I have the ability to decide how I show up. And I take so much pride and joy in knowing that.
Work thoughts
Feedback round and self-reflection. I took advantage of some team changes recently to gather some feedback from peers and documented that in my tracker. It’s always great to get input from other people and take in both the positive and constructive aspects and work with that where it makes sense for you. Whether it’d be celebrating things done well or opening up areas of improvement. So I encourage you to do just that, seek feedback from the people you work closely with. Do that regardless if you have a 360 feedback process – seeking direct feedback is a life skill – but even more so if you don’t have such a process in your team or company. Don’t act on it blindly but use it as a trigger for self-reflection (see more here).
I am reminded again and again of what a powerful tool self-reflection is, and it’s a key stepping stone towards growth. This time around I even documented my feedback in my Personal Development folder so I can come back to it. Granted, I got some very positive feedback that really warmed my heart and I want to come back to it in times of self-doubt, but I also appreciate that constructive one can be enlightening and a good trigger for self-reflection.
Confidence. Since we talk feedback let’s also talk about strengths and weaknesses. Paired with the feedback you get from others, you can also take personality or strength finder tests that can help you identify both strengths and weaknesses. Taking tests to help understand yourself a little better and then exploring or testing that understanding against reality can help you better understand who you are and how you operate. Again, self-reflection is key for me here, but I truly believe that a healthy dose of self-understanding and self-exploration is an absolute must to becoming a better professional but also a better person.
Looking back and reflecting on the whole “go lightly” theme, I also want to go lightly through my work life. In the sense that I want to be confident in my abilities and not let others drag me down. I was lucky that from early on I both succeeded and failed in the scope of my work. And most importantly, this allowed me to learn about myself. About what I can do well and what not. I know what I am capable of and that knowledge is extremely powerful and it can carry you through life. I most certainly yet have to further explore what I can do, but I am so grateful for having walked this path so far. It helps me carry both my professional and personal self with more confidence – and more lightly – through life with the conviction that I can handle graciously whatever is getting thrown at me.
What I’m reading
I read three books this month and two I quite liked. “The Identicals”, “Blue Sisters” and “Hello Beautiful” and I quite liked the last two and I’d recommend them. The first one was a light beach read that was actually ok although no more deserving than two stars. No grudge is being held though don’t worry, it perfectly fulfilled its purpose.
“Blue Sisters” gets a 3.5 stars review. Although I really enjoyed the writing, I did not resonate much with all the characters. Some felt too cliché and shallow and made me detach at times, although others had a little bit of depth to them that pulled me back in. Because it’s focused on sister relationships and family dynamics there was a lot to reflect on and at times it even felt a bit therapeutic to read it.
“Hello Beautiful” gets 4 stars and it’s a generational saga that is very well written and with very strong characters. Once again I only resonated with part of the story and characters – the Padavano sisters are just a force of nature – but I think that’s also part of it, and getting in new perspectives.
Currently, I just started Richard Osman’s series “The Thursday Murder Club” which I am very excited about and I feel like a murder mystery series fits very well with the fall vibes.
What I’m buying
I didn’t buy anything this month but I’ve been enjoying last month’s purchase. The summer tote I ordered from Dragon Diffusion –the Nantucket model – finally arrived in August and I’ve enjoyed wearing it a lot. You can also see more of it here. I do need to find either a base insert to help keep its shape or a regular bag insert, so I am on the lookout for that. Other than that I am still thinking if I am adding anything to my fall wishlist, but first I think I need the weather to become a bit crisper and to get me into the full mood. I am sure the wanting and wishlisting will follow rather quickly.
That’s it from me in this edition. Thank you for reading and I hope you are pleased with both how your summer went and excited about what autumn has in store for you.
