personal
Imperfect Vacation
Oct
I wanted a dreamy cottage getaway. A little vacation like I’d had a few years ago. Quiet. Book-filled. Eating delicious, simple food, sitting in the sunshine, and taking care of me.
But my dream was not the reality.
The third day I was there I finished the novel I brought because I was having problems sleeping. All I had left was wonderful, healing self-help books that don’t make good bedtime reading.
The food was simple and delicious, but I strayed from my usual healthy eating and my body let me know. Quickly.
And it rained. For days.
I tried to unplug but I couldn’t. We ended up in town every couple of days so I’d respond to email and post to social media.
But even though nothing went as planned it was still important to get away, even if I didn’t completely leave work behind, and even if things didn’t turn out as I hoped.
And I made this highlight reel so I’ll never forget the moments that were pure magic…
Despite these beautiful times I didn’t feel rested, rejuvenated, or inspired to get back into the studio. I felt like I’d barely had a vacation at all.
But do you know what greatness did happen?
I unknowingly came back a little calmer.
On my first day back in the studio I quickly realized that I completely over schedule my days, trying to squeeze a week’s worth of work into an innocent Tuesday.
I was more aware when I couldn’t focus on what I was doing. And because of that I took lots of five minute breaks to re-centre and clear my head.
I prioritized my self-care and did yoga when I said I was going to do yoga. Instead of hitting snooze on my iCal alarm until it was far too late.
I’m sooo grateful for Darren’s patience. Sometimes I don’t know how he does it.
Clearly I need to practice going on vacation. Who even knew that was a thing?
I’m curious, what do you like to do to recharge and re-energize? What are some of your favourite relaxing moments? What can you do this weekend to reset and be ready to be the best you that you can be?
Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks for sharing 🙂 I hear you about overscheduling. I find that I’m so driven sometimes that I schedule myself into absolute stress. Missing the point entirely that I’ve managed to create a career out of my two loves (photography & writing) and I am to “enjoy it”.
It’s sooo easy to over schedule and get caught up, I’m trying to be more mindful and not put too much pressure on the career that I love. I just started reading Essentialism by Greg McKeown and after that I have E-Myth Revisted by Michael Gerber all lined up.
But I definitely need to schedule more weekends away.