I usually write about a particular automation or business topic that I think needs highlighting, this year I decided to write about something else. Whether you consider Memorial Day or the Summer Solstice on June 21, the official start, there is no denying that summer has begun. The grass is green, kids are out of school and, in some cases, back home. It feels good to smell the grill and take a walk outside in the yard. I’m writing to myself as much as to anyone else reading this because I wanted to take a minute to remind myself of how much has changed over the past few months. I also want to pass along a message of optimism and resilience.

The Pandemic has subsided for the most part. It was a long haul, but we survived, and in some cases, thrived. There are plenty of other issues on the horizon to be concerned with, but they will come and go as well. We don’t have much control over them happening or not happening.

What we do have control over is the ability to focus on our attitude and how we react to all the challenges that come our way. I’m probably borrowing from some great motivational guru when I say, “what happened yesterday is just that….yesterday. What will happen tomorrow will happen. The only day we can affect is today”.

Sow your seeds

My friends all know that I have a vegetable garden in the summer. It’s a metaphor for what we all go through in our lives every day, week, month, and year. I start to work on it and plant seeds in the early spring. I do a little every day in the summer and before you know it, I’m harvesting. I need to adjust for weather, soil conditions, weeds, pests, water, etc. All those things are going to affect the garden in one way or another. I react to them as best I can in the moment and what happens next is usually a pretty good result.

Get focused

This is my message of optimism. Summer is here! It always comes after winter and spring. It’s not here for that long so enjoy it! Take stock in your accomplishments and look ahead to see what is coming down the pike that you will need to react to in the moment. My message of resilience is to stay focused on what needs tending to today and you will be ready for tomorrow. As Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”. The rest will take care of itself.