I didn't relax on my holiday

I didn't relax on my holiday

Dear Joy! I am ending my time in Vallarta and wondering how I am going to go back to the ‘real’ world. I gave myself a month to give myself a ‘survival break’ and get some ‘me’ stuff done. But I didn’t do anything I hoped I would do, not even catch up on my reading or study Spanish because everyone speaks English. Now it is time to go home and the chance of me doing anything I planned to do has gone.

signed: Val PA

Maybe the chance to do the things you want to do for yourself still exists Val. Maybe it’s more important now than ever that you make the time to do those things, because they are what will help you survive in the ‘real’ world.

You sound like you were hoping that your time in Vallarta would be more personally nurturing; a time to relax and rejuvenate and prepare for whatever might be coming up. These are very wise choices to make. Let’s face it, we are living in interesting times, we need to be on the ball to handle today’s challenges. That can be hard if we are feeling stressed out, or as if we have no time or energy left for ourselves. Taking time out for self care is essential if we want to do more than just survive. Luckily nurturing ourselves is something that we can learn to do wherever we are – though its undeniably easier in some places than others!Its basic airline sense “Put your own oxygen mask on before helping others with theirs.”

We can’t do the stuff we need to do as well as we need to do it when we are not getting what we need.

We know this of course, its not rocket science after all. But we get caught up in work and hobbies, friends and family, and a million other things that all clamor for our time and attention.

I am not suggesting you abandon any of these things Val, I am just inviting you to include quality loving care for yourself high on your priority list.

How much time do you give yourself at home on an ongoing basis? It’s a wonderful idea to take a month off, and its important to give yourself what you need day to day as well. Otherwise when you finally get to have your holiday you risk being so wound up that by the time you remember how to relax you have to go home again. Nurture yourself daily Val, you clearly have a very busy life so booking ‘you’ time is absolutely critical if you are to manage that life effectively.

At least once a day do something that will raise your energy, productivity and enthusiasm. In short, something that makes you feel GOOD!

Have a manicure, buy or pick yourself some flowers, rent a funny movie and watch it with a friend, take the phone off the hook and schedule an uninterruptable 30 minute meeting with that book you’ve been trying to read, spend time in nature. Consider buying a Spanish language course on CD to play in the car so that when you return you’ll have a good foundation on which to work. Look after you and come back soon!