When Summer Feels Too Free: Why Wide-open Days are Inspiring & Overwhelming
Summer can be both a dream and a challenge for ADHD creatives like me.
On one hand, the season offers wide-open days, long light evenings, and the freedom to wander, travel, or relax on the deck with a book and a cold beverage.
That looseness can feel expansive, energizing, and full of possibility.
On the other hand, without the grounding of structure, I often feel unmoored—flakey, scattered, and anxious.
The lack of clear plans or routines may look like freedom from the outside, but on the inside, it can create uncertainty and stress.
This summer was no exception. I experienced plenty of highs—moments of joy, inspiration, and much-needed rest. But I also navigated some lows, those points when the unknown felt heavy and hard to manage. If you live with ADHD, you might know this paradox well: loving the flexibility yet craving the tether of structure.
I’ve come to see summer as a season of learning - a chance to reflect on what grounds me, sparks my imagination, and ignites how I want to carry those lessons forward. Because for me, the real “new year” begins in the fall.
So, without further ado, here are the highlights (and lowlights) of a summer (which includes June, July, and August) gone by.
On the work + career front:
Completed a 2-month job (aka LTO) teaching co-operative education and Gr. 12 mental health & wellness at Etobicoke Collegiate, which was an eye-opening opportunity to see what a downtown high school is like today (especially as my son enters grade 10). Helping co-op students connect to real-world work opportunities and grade 12s understand mental health issues was revealing and humbling - teens today need our understanding and support. I plan on supply teaching again this fall.
Delivered a TEDx talk on June 26th entitled, “Upside-down on Purpose: What Doing 10,000 Cartwheels Taught Me About Life”. This bucket list moment felt equal parts scary and exhilarating, and I’m curious how the video turns out - stay tuned.
Cleared the estate of an amazing woman who passed away peacefully at age 102. Through cataloguing and clearing her colourful clothes, fun jewellery, plush teddy bears, and extensive photos, I was a witness to her dynamic life. Although there is sadness in her passing, it was transformative to see a full life before me – a privilege I respect and do not take for granted.
Updated my website and marketing/social media assets with the talented Cassandra and Alia to reflect my current speaking and facilitating priorities. Topics = The Power of the Portfolio Mindset, Future-Proofing Your Life + Career, Pivoting on Purpose, ADHD Traits are Superpowers, Kika the Upside-Down Girl’s Inspirational Tale, and Elevating Connection and Human Skills Development in the A.I. Age, and I’m excited to share my transformative expertise and energy on stages, screens & podcasts.
Completed my Innovation Women online profile! This professional women’s group champions spreading important messages on stages and screens worldwide, and I’m happy to be learning how to elevate an online presence that I can be proud of.
Waiting for guidance (from whom I’m not sure) about how to proceed with my book was/is frustrating. It’s coming - I know that - but my start-stop-start pattern is not helping! For those who’ve written, or are writing, a book, I know you know - it’s HARD!
On the home + family front:
Took our Airstream trailer to Bon Echo park, where the kayaking and rock faces are stunning, the hikes inspiring, and the campsites welcoming – especially in the comfort of “Minuet”. Jeremy has done an incredible job of restoring this ’70s beauty!
Reflected on Sebastian’s Leader in Training experience at Camp Medeba, which was…interesting. Cut from 4 to 2 weeks after he fell out of a hammock and got re-concussed (seriously?!), his - and our - summer plans shifted, making for a long 6+ weeks.
Spent 3 days at my cousin’s Dwell-like home on the river next to the quaint town of Manotick (30 min outside of Ottawa, ON) – my mom, sister, and I, along with family, enjoyed charcuterie, hot tubbing, kayaking, storytelling, and more – family rocks!
Travelled to Mont Laurier (aka “Quebec’s gateway to the north”), where lakes, bike paths, pickleball courts, boat washing stations, and vehicle dealerships abound. CB’s cottage was the perfect welcoming space for adventures big and small.
Caught up with good friends who’ve moved to Victoria but still come back to Ontario every summer to reconnect. It’s always fun to adventure outdoors, eat well, talk all things education, neurodiversity & parenting, and see our boys hang out in person!
Held an epic Lisgar Street garage sale where nothing that went out came back in, which equals major success. What a fun way to clear out, connect with my community, and enjoy the day with my mom and sister, who are master clearer-outers and sellers.
Celebrated August birthdays for my sister, nephew (who’s 16 and driving!), and dad, who would have been 90 years old. Happy heavenly birthday, Dad - e all love you and miss you so much.
Played laser tag and freed the King in the escape room at the Escape Maze, a fantastic getaway for moms and their teen sons!
Enjoyed cottaging at Bass Lake with teens, moms, sisters, and friends – kayaking, happy hour-ing, paddle boarding, smore-making, ATV-ing, swimming off the boat, and more. We’re fortunate to have this space to relax and reconnect - thanks, JB.
GOT A PUPPY!! Archibald (aka Archie) is a black bundle of Havanese joy who joined our family in July, and what a whirlwind of cuteness, cuddling, and cleanups it’s been! He brings so much joy to Sebastian and us, and we’re grateful for his presence..
Bailed on my yoga and gravity classes, which felt/feels equally freeing/restful and lazy/weak. Although I was active this summer, 6 weeks “off” from the Y means tighter joints, weaker muscles, and that “it’s ok, but not totally ok” feeling this fall.
Creativity this summer was…strange. Not taking a Haliburton arts course was disappointing (I couldn’t make it happen = hard to accept!), so I channeled my creativity into my biz rebrand, which fulfills some, but not all, of my desires. This fall I will create!
How was your summer?
Do you find it helpful to review what went down to gain better clarity, new insights, or a sense of accomplishment?
Or is summer a break from the pressure to do and accomplish?
As the sun sets earlier, the lake cools down, and the smores get eaten up, I wonder what your summer was like – really like?
Please share – I’d love to know!