Something. You need to give up something. Maybe even a lot of things. That was a very strong message passed along by one of my teachers a few weeks ago. Yes, I still have people I consider ‘teachers’ in my life, even at my ancient level….

We all have soooo much in our lives. These little gadgets in our pockets connect us, quite literally, to the entire world and can entertain us for hours. We receive gifts around this time of year, many of which will, sadly, be forgotten or fall disused in months.

It’s not ‘just’ about stuff. You have friends, teams, schoolwork, family, responsibilities, and entertainment competing for your attention. Inside your head run desires, dreams, and false demands.

And we wonder why we feel more than a little hectic most of the time?*

Good Moments

There are moments, however, in our lives with little worry, less rushing, less comparing. Those moments have simplicity and calm and joy and depth. You know the ones I’m talking about. Why can’t we find those moments more often?

We get a lot of these moments at Camp Weequahic. A LOT. Want to know why?

Think about things we don’t have. No one is carrying a phone in their pocket at camp. You aren’t preparing for a test. You aren’t hustling from one activity to the next shoveling food into your mouth. No one is going to judge you on what your wear, where you are from, or how good you are at sport or art or anything else.
Rather, at Weequahic, you are with your friends, focused on the task ahead of you, and surrounded by people who want you to 1) be safe and 2) have the time of your life. You get to be you, without all the ‘stuff.’

That’s it. You’ve already given up so much ‘stuff’ just by getting on the bus. We keep things simple (and fun) at Weequahic. And, because you have room in your life, you can fill it with so many great, little moments with your friends and mentors at camp.

Your Next Steps

So, what are you going to give up? Sorry – you can’t give up schoolwork, your family or your responsibilities at home. But, there are lots of other things you can let go of right now.

Are you spending too much time on your phone? Do you want to give up caring what the other kids think about you? You probably have a lot of clothes you haven’t worn in months/years. How about giving them to someone who may need it more? How about spending less on lunch and more on others? It’s amazing how much money can be saved by drinking water instead of soda, slushies, or coffee.

As for me, I have several things to prune from my life. (But not slushies. Never slushies….)

I’ll continue to work on things. I hope you will, too. Regardless of how successful I am during the year, I know one thing for certain: when we get back to Weequahic, I’ll be all-in for those simple, meaningful moments. I know you will be, too!

Can’t wait for camp!

*Please don’t think that our family doesn’t fall into the same pattern. We are just as busy as the next family at home and are doing our best to find the right balance.