After several years without, I recently was able to take a “real” vacation – fly away, experience another country, different culture – an adventure. It was great to leave behind responsibilities and worries for a week and be able to set my own pace, move about freely, and make choices that impacted no one else. In spite of downpours without an umbrella, missed trains and a couple less-than-terrific restaurants, I couldn’t have been more thrilled to be having this experience.
But the best part was something I had not planned or anticipated. When I got home, I felt a new energy – physically as well as mentally. It was so pronounced that I had to stop and think about it. It certainly hadn’t been a relaxing vacation. I typically don’t want to waste a minute of a place that I probably won’t see again, so my version of vacation usually means early rising, out all day, and making it back to the hotel in time for just enough sleep to fuel the next day. After the week I had, I should have come home exhausted. But it was quite the opposite. How?
So I thought over all that I had done and the memories evoked feelings. How it felt physically – that you could close your eyes and know you were someplace different. How all of my senses were engaged – new sights and sounds and smells. Being aware of differences in customs and preferences. Figuring out transportation in a foreign language. Sharing moments with strangers that resulted in a feeling of connection and understanding. Being aware of smiling – just smiling at all of it. I realized that the vacation had stimulated parts of my brain that had not been active in a while. Life had been routine and I had become stale. Then vacation – and I was not just renewed – I was on fire! Every single minute of that week I was fully aware. Fully present. Actively thinking and experiencing. Each moment was something new to learn. I learned the true value of vacation. And I realized that it doesn’t matter where your vacation takes you or what you do, or how long you are there. It is about stepping out of your routine for a “real” vacation or a vacation day or a vacation minute – and becoming aware of your surroundings or your meal or your conversation or your thoughts – and really feel it. Look for something new (I discover new weeds in my backyard all the time!), learn something new, (take an hour and research something), walk a new path. You will break free from the energy that you have become accustomed to and unaware of. You will create new energy. You will smile.
Take a vacation.