We were due for a break. We were excited by the opportunity to go away as a family and take some time out.
We didn't need to go far, or spend much money at all.
It is funny that you can be so close to home and yet feel so different about things. Truth is, it is not the location, it is the mindset that you slip into.
You slip into a mindset of relaxation and renewal. You slow down, breath and look around. You are not rushed and you take the time to let all the little things enter your senses. You listen intently, you breath deeply to smell all that you can. You reach out to touch the surrounds.
And it feels wonderful. It feels like you have a fresh lease on life.
...and yet, you are so close to home. It shows you that you can turn off distraction and turn on your senses at any time that you need to renew.
Our weekend consisted of a Friday night of games first of all. A hilarious night of Pictionary where we snorted with laughter and our drawings made us question the way we think collectively because we could draw meaning from a couple of squiggles.
On Saturday we walked almost 8 kilometres. We explored, studied and 're-wilded'. We reconnected with nature and realigned with the fabulous thing that is Mother Nature in its many forms.
It is beautiful to watch our boys, who are now young men, still show wonder and awe at the natural environment.
On Saturday we had an abundant meal of fresh seafood.
On Sunday we returned home, very steadily, stopping a number of times along the way.
When we arrived home we were refreshed and content. It was such a wonderful time of purposeful renewal that we all agreed that we will do this more often.
Personally, I will be exporting this thinking to myself when I am at home. I challenge you to do the same.
What would it look like if you carved out some time to practice renewal ? Does it mean that you have a bubble bath with a glass of wine ? Does it mean that you drag your chair out into the garden and read indulgently without guilt while you eat strawberries ? Does it mean that you choose a hobby and give your self permission to carve out time to indulge yourself in it ?
It's very healthy to practice self care instead of martyrdom and guilt . We are much better for those around us when we take care of ourselves first.
There is much joy to be had in slowing down.