The End Of Staycation

It’s the last day of my staycation. The jig is up. Responsibility looms. I return to work tomorrow. My Puritanical work ethic calls me back to the office but, like most pet owners, I mainly go so I can earn money to give my cat the life he thinks he deserves. He’s awfully particular considering he’s a former street urchin.

I intended to spend the week relaxing at home, sleeping in and doing some chores. In reality, three days were eaten up by a conference and meetings. Then there was the day I got up early for  the chiropractor.

I rested less than I would during a normal work week but that’s ok. I made it out for a day of adventure with my fella, decorated inside my house for Christmas (don’t judge, there’s a reason for the early decorating), and got in a couple of easy hikes. 

On Friday, I took a break from Christmas shopping to linger over lunch and read a book. It sounds stupid but this is something I have dreamed of doing – sitting in Panera to read or write while indulging in some tasty carbs. For someone who often eats on the go or not at all, it was delightful to relax at meal time.

So, dreams didn’t come true this week but I made the best of it and had some fun despite the responsibilities. Today, I hope to read, relax and mentally prepare for the very busy week ahead that will allow me to give Scout that life he thinks he deserves. 

Whether you’re coming or going or simply staying in one place, I hope today is what you need it to be.

Get Outside Today

Welcome to Saturday. It’s going to be 64 degrees and sunny here in southern Ohio so I’m going to take full advantage and go outside. November can be a volatile month although it has been mild so far. Best take advantage of the good weather while we can before it turns cooler and rainy.

It has been so mild thus far that I still haven’t turned on my heat or switched to the flannel sheets. The lovely thing about being a hearty Ohio girl is that we don’t require heat or jackets until it at least dips well below freezing. 

The day will come soon though.

Meanwhile, this marks the start of my staycation. I intended to have a solid week of rest and hanging out to do some yard work and organizing. I intended to take some day trips and simply do as I please. I need to focus on supporting my own mental and physical health. Those plans have gone out the window and my week will mostly be comprised of obligations rather than anything I actually want to do. So much for rest and wellness. 

It’’s important to take advantage of the free time I have and strike while the iron is hot! Don’t worry – I’ll sneak in some kind of adventure in between the other stuff! 

Wherever you are, I hope you are able to get outside today. Fresh air cleanses the lungs, mind and spirit. Exercise is good for all those things too. As always, be happy and well. Nature is a wonderful place to do those things and to gain perspective on the world around you.

Vacation and Reflection

My October vacation was nearly perfect but not for the reasons most people love their vacations. I liked it for the way it was structured.

Hear me out.

A few days were spent away from home, in places I did not know and could explore for the first time.

A couple days were spent exploring in my own region.

There was a day spent with my folks and an evening around a camp fire with extended family.

And there was time spent at home cooking, doing projects and relaxing with Scout.

Nothing cost a lot of money. I had time with others and plenty of solo time as well.

The last day was spent at home doing small chores, reading, watching a movie and reflecting on a nice, long break from work.

Going back to work the next day was ok.

It was important to allow that down time and to prioritize reflection. Too often we we don’t stop and think about what we have just experienced. We simply enjoy the moment and then push forward to the next. Happiness is connected to gratitude and it’s important to be grateful for the good and even the mundane that we have experienced.

Whether it’s a vacation, dinner with your family or an afternoon at the museum, you will be well served to revisit those memories as much as possible.

You will be happier for it.

Tomorrow we’ll talk about a fun discovery I made while exploring my own area. Hope to see you back here soon!