...on travel

We often get bogged down in our day to day grind, and may never feel like we get a break, let alone have the opportunity to get away for a bit. Or perhaps we have the time, but find that we don't feel like we have the financial resources to be able to afford a vacation. Yet a break away from the daily grind, a break away from reality, may be what we really need. Not so long ago I had been feeling like I needed a break away from reality, but did not have the vision to see where I could possibly go, or how I could financially afford to get away. It was then that my sister asked me if I wanted to do a quick weekend trip to visit my niece at college. This was a road trip, and we would be staying at my nieces apartment, so the cost to get away would be minimal. I jumped on the opportunity! The weekend came, and my sister and I hit the road. During the time that we were on the road, my only sister, one of my best friends, were able to catch up with each other on life, and do some much needed bonding. We stopped at a popular burger joint along the way, and took in the sites on our journey. When we arrived at our destination we got to spend the enjoy weekend with my niece. I was able to get recharged, and enjoy my time away. I returned to work on Monday, and had received a last minute email about a conference that was coming up. The key note speaker was one of my favorite people, someone whom I look to as a mentor. I ran the conference past my boss, and asked her what the possibility was of my going to this conference. Much to my surprise, my boss said YES I could attend the conference...I was elated! Attending this conference had been on my dream list, and now I was actually going to be able to attend. Not only that, but the conference was being held in sunny Florida, which would be quite a change from Midwest which is not so sunny during the time that I was getting away. The conference time arrived, and I hopped on a plane to the gulf coast. The weekend was AMAZING; sun, fun, laughs, education, networking, etc. This little 4 day getaway was more than I could have ever dreamed of. Months later the thought of this conference still brings a smile to my face. I know this may sound crazy, but as I returned to work from my Florida conference, I had the opportunity to go to yet another conference the following weekend. This one was a bit closer to home, but I still had to do an overnight. I jumped on it! After all, any opportunity for a night away in a hotel feels like an opportunity to refresh. So after my  three weekend in a row getaways I found myself feeling very refreshed and thankful for all of the opportunities that I had to get away. Just a month prior I did not even think it would be possible to get away at all, let alone three weekends in a row!

Today's exercise:

Today I encourage you to think about getting away, think about taking a break from reality. Whether it be a full blown vacation, or just a smiggin of time, think about what that might feel like. Think about the sun hitting your face, or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa next to a fire at a sky lodge. Think about visiting a friend, or a loved one that you have not seen in some time. Don't give any thought to the how's or why's, just allow yourself to enjoy the thoughts of getting away. Next step, start thinking about what's possible. Who can I go visit? What kind of deals are there right now on airfare, or other means of transportation? Start taking some baby steps towards making a get away happen. Then, pull the trigger and set the plans. Two nights away, or even just one will make a huge change in your world. Getting out of your town, getting away from the day to day, breathing the fresh air from a new location is often the medicine we need to recharge our personal batteries. Again, this does not have to be big, long, or expensive....JUST FUN! I can guarantee that taking a break is a great way to fuel the soul. When you return home everything will seem lighter, you will be happier, and you will enjoy a good nights sleep in your own bed! So...rev up those engines, and hit the road! Vrrrrrrrooooom! xo