Being on vacation has gotten me thinking about being on vacation. Like anything, it can be an empowering and strengthening experience, a ritual of coming together for the shared purpose of enjoyment and relaxation. Or, for some, and I’ve had these, it can fray nerves from exhausting preparation to being out of sync (and the every day context) with your fellow travelers and well, it can even be toxic with all that overeating, overdrinking and overspending. Or, somewhere on that continuum. I’m grateful to say that we’ve had a blessed week, of weather and health most importantly, (and most out of our control), and many moments of shared joy. After feeling spurned by the promises vacations make to us a few too many times, I am grateful to finally understand the power of simply going for what’s most fun in the moment.

In fact, I am wondering now, on the last evening of this week’s adventure in relaxing and pleasure, what I can take with me into my regular days of life that has worked. Can I treat myself with so much love and respect? Can I allow myself to move at a pace that actually honors my current state of mind and body? Can I feed myself what feels most nourishing? Can I be this generous with myself, this forgiving? Can I ask for what I want? For what I need? Can I go with the flow, letting go of what I want and think I need? Can I only do one thing at a time? Can I allow myself to enjoy watching my family enjoy each other?

This last possibility really inspires me. I’ve had to sit on the sidelines a bunch this week because I wasn’t feeling so great. But I don’t feel like I missed out on anything. Watching the play between my daughter and husband, waving to Maxine as she circled around and around on a park ride, simply bearing witness was enough, more than enough. I can honestly say I never do that at home. If I can’t participate I am quick to do a chore or jump on my computer or make a call. Vacation has showed me that there is more to life, and it’s already all right with me.