I'm currently coming off of a relaxation high after a surprise getaway to the beach over the weekend. I was having a lazy day off on Friday (my birthday gift to myself) and was actually in the middle of having my hair cut and colored when Camping Husband called to say he was coming home early and we were headed to the beach. Yay! and Ack! I'm going to be completely honest, I am TERRIBLE at surprises so my lovely husband knew he was really taking a chance with this, but he also knows I have been begging to go to the beach. He wasn't sure he would be able to get a last minute reservation, and board the dog, and get off work early... yada yada yada so he didn't want to tell me in advance only to dash my excitement. So... after waiting very impatiently for the stylist to finish my hair (my lack of patience was only on the inside - I would never rush a stylist!) and running home to pack, I very anxiously got in the car -- trust me, I'm not exaggerating here, I'm terrible about not being able to plan and make sure EVERYTHING is taken care of and EVERY POSSIBLE NEEDED THING is packed before leaving... but time was ticking so I tried to let it all go and just breathe... hahaha. Camping Husband will attest to the fact that this was a bit of a struggle -- luckily he's used to my quirks! After all was said and done I only forgot a few important things, mainly sunglasses and a pair of shoes other than the uncomfortable flip flops I was wearing when I left the house. Luckily the Sunsations store across the street from our resort had both of these items (and a million other things you might be convinced you need while browsing).
The highlight of our weekend was definitely our "beach day" where we literally sat on the beach (we got up once for a quick dip in the water... and by dip I mean my feet, I love the beach but I do not swim in the ocean!) pretty much all day. The weather was perfect - hot enough but breezy so it was never uncomfortable. The sound of the waves was soothing, and I love the feeling of wiggling my toes in the sand. I read a few chapters of a book about self- care but mostly just sat, taking in all of the beach sensations and enjoying the company of my husband beside me. At the end of the day my body literally felt like jello, all of my muscles that are often clenched with stress had released and every breath felt relaxing. Here's a picture from our room. You can see by all the nets there was a volleyball tournament going on, and there was also a surfing tournament about a block up the beach but truly it felt like we were in our own little world most of the time...
Unfortunately it seems like my vacation state is already wearing off...as I finish writing this blog post on Tuesday evening - my back is spasming as I run through a list of things I need to accomplish this week in my head. Sigh... must find a way to embrace vacation mode on a more regular basis...like a daily basis! On that note I will move on to the next section of this blog because I hope the book I am reading will set the tone for my 41st year :-)
What I'm Reading:
I'm enjoying this book so far, it's more than just a list of self care solutions, it goes deeper than that, but not so much so that it's not accessible. Here is a quote that really stuck with me:
"I'm calling upon you to make yourself a sacred, nonnegotiable priority. Fall in love with taking care of yourself: Mind, Body, Spirit. Put yourself back at the top of your to-do list. Show Up. Regularly. Practice. Consistently. And please remember this: Life is not always shiny and full of namastes. I get that. Your practice doesn't expect you to show up happy. Trust me... It simply asks that you be preset. It doesn't mind if your got it together, of if you're a mess. You can arrive with a chaotic mind and a heavy heart. Just get there. Start. Practice. You'll get better and better. And remember, it's never too late to get well, be well, and stay well."
If you have any favorite books in this sort of genre (health, self-care, meditation..) let me know! I would love to read more. I'll keep you posted on what I take away from this one. I'll also try to spend some time in thought about my goals for the next year this week and explore those thoughts next time I write...
Peace, Love, and Paw Prints,
Camping Librarian
Peace, Love, and Paw Prints,
Camping Librarian
No comments:
Post a Comment