It can feel like life is a never-ending rollercoaster that leaves us feeling overwhelmed, stressed and frankly unhappy. I’ve been experiencing my own personal chaos – kids growing up and leaving the nest, caring for an elderly parent, ongoing challenges in my business. Perhaps the most chaotic are the wrenches that life always throws at you just when you think you’ve got it all under control.
Amidst this chaos, I’ve decided to take a solo vacation – more like a personal journey – to unwind, explore, think, unplug and recharge. My heart is filled with anticipation and excitement as I take time to reconnect with myself and what truly matters to me.
Here are some things I hope to accomplish on my journey:
- Escape the daily hustle – I want to wake up when my body is rested, eat when I feel hungry, sleep when I am tired. I want to just BE. No alarms, no places to go, no meetings to run or analysis to do. No one needing anything from me so I can just it all let go. I want to embrace slow living – I have absolutely no agenda, no sightseeing or tours planned – nothing. I want my mind to be free, to wander, to daydream.
- Reconnect with Nature – I chose Vancouver as my destination due to its beautiful landscapes, serene atmosphere and proximity to both land and sea. Nature has always been a source of solace for me, and Vancouver’s lush scenery promises to nourish my soul. I plan to hike through green forests, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and bask in the beauty of snow-capped mountains. I know these moments amidst nature will not only rejuvenate me physically and mentally, but will also awaken my soul and spirit, giving me a much-needed break from the frenetic pace of my daily life. As I think about stepping into this city of captivating beauty, I am feeling a sense of release, leaving behind the stress and worries that have burdened me. This vacation is more than just a break; it’s an opportunity to reclaim my passion for life.
- Unplug from technology – In this hyper-connected world, it’s challenging to break free from technology. I’ve vowed to unplug, letting go of the constant notifications and pressures of the digital world. Instead, I plan on savoring the present, fully immersing myself in all I am seeing, feeling and hearing around me. I have a big fat novel I’ve been wanting to read (The Covenant of Water), a journal for writing and colored pencils for drawing, music I never have time to listen to and a notebook for making progress on that great American novel I’ve been trying to write.
- Foster self-discovery – This trip is all about ME. When was the last time you really connected with yourself? I often find myself thinking ‘Who am I now?’ ‘Where do I want to be?’ ‘What makes me passionate about life?’ ‘What would I like to do/learn/explore next?’ ‘How can I be a better mother/wife/friend/co-worker/person?’ Life moves so fast, and we all look back and think ‘where did the years GO??’ I want to take this opportunity to reflect on where I’ve been, where and who I am and what I want for my future.
I hope this very personal post inspires you to take some time to focus on YOU. Each of us does so much for our families, friends and jobs. It is important to take time for yourself as well. A solo trip is a luxury but a long walk in nature or a solo car drive up the coast can also do wonders for your soul. Turn off, tune out, unplug and recharge your soul 😊