Finding Gold at the End of the Rainbow

“One Happy Island” was posted everywhere when we arrived in Aruba.  And it’s true of any vacation, we are happier on vacation.  We have the opportunity to let go of some (maybe all) of our responsibilities and routines.  Our worries float out the window, and we look forward to what awaits us each day.
 
Prior to leaving for our winter getaway, I was tense, irritated and really not pleasant to be around.  My days were pretty much the same, and I was really dreading starting another day.  On top of this, I had been successfully fighting off one cold and then another, but not without a few sniffles and congestion.
 
My story isn’t unique.  We all get stuck in the everyday mundane especially during the winter months.  However, on this trip, I was determined to figure out the magic to “bottling up” my vacation and bringing it home.
 
Sitting in a picturesque setting of soft, white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters while enjoying a cool breeze against my warm skin, it wasE easy to soak in my surroundings and be in the moment.  Aha!  That’s the key to feeling this way at home – being present.  When our daily lives are unfulfilling, it’s easy to disconnect and wish you were on a beach.
 
Here is my at-home recipe for creating that same blissful vacation feeling at home.
 

1. Change it up.  Drive a different way to work, or say yes to a colleague’s invite for lunch.  Breaking up your usual routine creates excitement.  Be spontaneous and adventurous.
2. Get outside.  Fresh air and sunshine is the perfect medicine for the mundane lifestyle. We’ve been lucky here in Maryland, and are enjoying a warmer than usual winter.  Grab a friend and walk outside for 10 minutes during your break or take the kids to the park.  Breathe.
3.  Exercise.  Moving and sweating for 30 minutes a day is not only good for your heart, but also for your overall well-being. Exercise doesn’t have to be on a treadmill in the middle of a crowded gym.  What would you do if you were on vacation?  Go for a hike.  Take a new cardio-dance class.  Indulge in a different style of yoga practice.
4. Splurge like you’re on vacation.  Many of us do have a budget even while on vacation, but it tends to be a little looser.  Go out for a fancy dinner.  Attend a show or performance. 
5. Set the mood.  Light candles, buy fresh flowers, play tranquil music (or even sounds of waves) to rekindle your favorite place to visit.
6. Show gratitude.  When we are grateful, we appreciate even the little sunshine we have in our days.  Start your day by listing five people/experiences/things you are grateful to have in your life.

BONUS:

1. Meditate.  Regular meditation practice awakens our senses and helps us feel more connected with ourselves.  With this awareness, we can find happiness and savor the little moments that happen between vacations.

 
A little something from my beach journal….
Sitting, legs sinking into the soft blanket of sand.
Mind letting go with each wave.
Breath, a constant, with the gentle breeze
Present to the beauty around me.