July 6, 2008

  • We've lost that "Vacation Feeling", and it's gone, gone, gone. Oh- oh-oh.

    We had a wonderful week of relaxation and fun, fun, fun!  No stress.  No worries.  Now we are home and already I feel my muscles tensing.  So, I'm thinking about vacation and trying to determine what exactly gave me that relaxed stress-free state of being.  What can I do to keep that "vacation feeling" without being on vacation?  Here's what I am going to work on:

    1.  Slow down.  I heard someone say this week that "No" is a holy word.  It's hardest to say, "no" to all the good opportunities that present themselves.  We have to determine the ones that are most valuable and say, "no" to the rest.  Establish our priorities and focus.

    2.  Plan.  I need to plan our meals.  Plan meaningful activities.  Plan family fun.  "Failing to plan is planning to fail."

    3.  Simplify.  I need to get rid of stuff.  If we don't love it, it's outta here, y'all.  Living simply requires less time.  The more stuff you have, the more to take care of.  Less chaos and clutter is more appealing to the eye.  It creates a restful and relaxed environment.  Sometimes, you can have half as much and be ten times better off.  Can I hear an amen?

    4.  Prayer and quiet time.  Sandy Cove's mission for our family was "To pause long enough to hear from God."  Each day, Brian and I did this during "processing time".  I need to include "processing" in my daily activities.  Even if it's only five minutes.

    5.  Exercise.  With so many physical activities presenting themselves each day, I am amazed out how energized they made me feel.  I need to do better about including exercise in my daily routine.

    6.  Laugh and play.  I must refuse to get caught up in all the work of life and caring for a family of six.  Sometimes, I gotta remember that laughing and playing does more for my family and their well-being than mopping the kitchen floor (again). 

    As I refocus my life, may I keep that "vacation feeling".  May my husband and children be blessed and may they keep their "vacation feeling".  Do you have ideas or suggestions for keeping that "vacation feeling"?  I love hearing from y'all.

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