Editor's Note

Remember that feeling on the last day of school when you were a kid? That sense of excitement for whatever adventures awaited, the freedom of all those days wide-open for you to enjoy, the thrill of possibilities just waiting to happen? Remember that?

When was the last time you felt that way? When was the last time you looked forward to doing something fun, to trying something new, to freedom and a break from obligations?

I can answer for many of us: too long!

We work long hours at our jobs, there’s always something that needs to be done at home, we have obligations to our families, maybe some good works we devote time to, and no end in sight to any of it. Which leads to stress, guilt, and worry.

We’re so overloaded with everyday stuff that when things outside the norm happen, it seems overwhelming – a water heater leak, a family crisis, trouble at work, health issues … all of which have landed in my lap in the past few months.

But in the middle of all of it, I went to the Lodge on Little St. Simons Island to research an article. I felt guilty for going with everything else going on, but I’d already rescheduled once. I also felt guilty because I knew I would enjoy it – and that’s just wrong on so many levels.

I did enjoy it! And it reminded me of the days when I wasn’t constantly overloaded, when I had time to do things I enjoy, what it felt like to relax and have fun, and how screwed up my priorities have gotten. Yes, work should be a priority, but so should our quality of life.

Every day can’t bring that “last day of school” sense of freedom and excitement, but some days certainly can, and should. At the very least, we need to make time in our lives for special moments with the people we care about, time alone to think and contemplate things, time for activities we enjoy that make us smile, and time to make memories.

At the end of your days, which would you rather remember: overtime at work, or dinners with your family? Saturday mornings at the office or on the water? A late meeting or date night with your spouse? A regular day at work, or using a vacation day to take your child or grandchild fishing? Your boat sitting on its trailer, or sitting in the water with you and your family on it? Working all summer or taking a few days off and enjoying a local getaway? A 60-hour work week, or 20 hours spent enjoying your life outside of work?

Life is too short and none of us are getting any younger. This summer, look hard at your priorities and find a way to make time for the other important things in life – not just work. We have jobs to pay for our lives – we don’t have lives just so we can work.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy life!

See you out there!

Amy Thurman Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com

Top: Walking on the beach on Little St. Simons Island. Right: Flowers in the island's garden. Get outside and experience life!

I attended a one-hour stress reduction class recently and one suggestion was to make a list of half a dozen activities you enjoy. Activities, as in something active, not escaping into a book or movie. Then make time each week to do one of those activities for at least an hour. Coming up with a list was harder than I expected! And in the time it took, I could have cleaned all the windows in the house, straightened up the garage, defrosted the freezer, or vacuumed out my truck and washed it, but that's not the point. Thought I'd share my list here and maybe save y'all some time! Here are some things you can do, alone or with others, for an hour to decompress and add some enjoyment to your life: • Go for a walk on the beach • Grab your tacklebox and rod and go fish off a pier • Pack a light lunch and go explore one of the area forts • Go for a paddle (rent a kayak or SUP if you don't have one) • Throw a cast net for shrimp • Make a container garden with herbs and flowers • Take your dog to a dog park for play and socialization • Take your kids or grandkids to a park for play and socialization • Go for a walk in your neighborhood and say hi to neighbors • If you have a creative side, go take pictures - of flowers, architecture, wildlife, or whatever floats your boat • Explore nearby walking trails and pay attention to nature • Install a bird feeder near a window in your home or office • Plant flowers around your mailbox • Have lunch with a friend

Have more ideas? Send them to me and I'll share them. And look for an article in the July issue on day trips! Let's make this a fun summer!