This Wasn’t The Summer I Planned, But It Reminded Me Of What I Needed

I used to think I had to go on vacation to make meaningful memories with my boys.

That unless we were traveling somewhere special, I wasn’t really showing up as the mom I wanted to be.

So when our summer travel plans got canceled this year—plans I’d been genuinely looking forward to—I felt disappointed. I could see how quickly my boys are growing up, and I started spinning out… wondering how many summers we really have left before they’re off doing their own thing.

And yet, as someone who also cares deeply about her career—about being a present, impactful leader—I know this tug-of-war all too well.

It’s easy to think we have to choose between being successful at work or fully present at home.

But we don’t.
Not when we redefine what success and presence actually mean.

This summer, I made a shift.

I stopped waiting for the “perfect vacation moment” and started creating small, sacred ones right where we are:

✨ Slow dinners cooking together instead of rushing through the evening.
✨ Sunset rollerblading or bike rides through the neighborhood, even just for 10 minutes.
✨ Letting conversation unfold naturally—about the world, about life, about whatever’s on their mind.

Then came the 4th of July. We went to see Jurassic World Rebirth in 4DX (such a fun experience!), but it was the in-between moments that stuck with me:

💜 When I put my hand on Kyen’s leg during the movie and he instinctively reached for mine. Just held it. No words, just presence.

💜 When Mav looked over with the biggest smile to excitedly explain part of the plot—something I always encourage him to do more of.

💜 And when a character in the movie said:
“Other people may talk sh*t about us, but we don’t have to do the job for them. Otherwise, it becomes true.”

Kyen looked at me with wide eyes… recognizing something I’ve told him so many times in different ways. He leaned over and hugged me. He got it.

These moments reminded me:

We don’t need more doing.
We need more being.

Because how we show up—at home or at work—isn’t about how far we go.
It’s about how deeply we’re willing to connect.

To the parents, the leaders, the humans pulled in a million directions right now:

You don’t have to choose between impact and presence.
You can have both.
You deserve both.

And sometimes, the deepest magic is waiting for you in the ordinary moments—if you’re willing to be present enough to feel it.

With love,
Your coach,
💜Sara

P.S. This is the kind of shift I support my clients in making—not just in theory, but in real, everyday leadership and life. If your soul is craving presence, purpose, and sustainable success, I’d be honored to support you. Book a free consult here if you’re ready to explore coaching.