Back to School
Whether you're dropping kids at kindergarten or university, this time of year always brings emotion
Quote of the Month
“"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance." — Alan Watts
September has always been one of my favourite months…and not just because the nerd you know me to be today is the nerd I have always been.
There’s just something about September that will always feel like a fresh start to me. It’s my new year, far more than January first. It has helped that my kids return to school each September. And when that school was elementary school or high school, it was pretty predictable. When it turned into university, it came with a gut punch I really wasn’t prepared for.
I’ve watched for years as parents lamented the leaving the nest drop-offs of their post-secondary kids and prepared myself (I thought) for when it was my turn. Even going so far as to make sure there was an epic trip before we parted ways that first time. But, it didn’t matter. After dropping Ethan, my oldest, off at university, I came home thinking I’d handled it well only to find myself doubled over in pain and sobs a few hours later.
So when it was time to take Cameron, my second son, off to school, Ish and I came up with a new plan. When we pushed this bird out of the nest, we’d fly the coop too. It worked. Were we sad? Sure! But being sad on a beach is a way better. Plus, we were now empty nesters and ready to return to figuring out who we’d become as a couple. Doing all of that at an Exclusive Resorts property in Nevis just felt right. ;)
You can read all about that adventure here.
All of this to say: If you’re struggling with a drop off this year? I get it. If you’re handling it by running away? I get that too. I wish you the easiest, softest September you can muster. And I want to offer you a glimpse from your future, as I prepare to send my two back for another year. They’ll be back before you know it, your story doesn’t end here and the future is bright.
Wishing you a soft landing September,
Heather
Looking for a new place to stay?
I popped in for a night at the ARLO NoMad in NYC and loved this newest take on the tiny room stay. Where the NoMad is different from others I’ve tried is in one serious detail: Floor to Ceiling windows in their SkyView King rooms! It felt like I was floating on a cloud above the city. The 249-room boutique property is definitely Instagram-worthy and I expect to see those wrap-around floor-to-ceiling window views of Manhattan popping up everywhere. Also, don’t miss A.R.T. NoMad on the 31st floor. The rooftop lounge offers incredible views and drinks to match.
How I’m feeling this month:
Hungry: Here’s what to eat on a trip to Toronto.
Ready for a road trip: Here’s one that impacted me long after it was over.
Awestruck: Africa never disappoints.
Something to think about:
The recent weather phenomenons including wildfires and floods has me thinking more and more about how we can travel better. I liked this pragmatic approach one writer took on a recent trip. No answer is THE solution, but thinking about what we do and why is certainly a step in the right direction.
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And we’d love to hear from you too. Message us on the social media platform of your choice and let us know what travel question we can answer for you!
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Blog: GlobetrottingMama
Thanks, Heather. My colleagues and I were just saying that the beginning of September always brings a sense of melancholy - whether or not we (or our children) are starting school. Good luck to you as well.