So I have been clearly slacking on this whole 'Let me start a website and a blog and I'll post at least once a week and blah blah blah'. So here we go; this is me, getting back on track.
First of all, I just got back from a quick little vacation. We decided to take a trip to visit some friends in Massachusetts. More than an 8 hour drive, crossing into a new country and navigating in a new environment, it was a challenge to say the least.
I pushed my comfort bubble to it's limits and beyond. As a Recreation Therapist, I know the multitude of benefits that come with traveling, experiencing new things and new environments, and pushing one's boundaries. I was not prepared to practice what I preach. Let's be real and honest with each other; I am a PLANNER. I planned for our last trip to the USA (almost 2 years ago) weeks in advance. I had a binder with our hotel confirmation, maps, confirmation letters for taking the car out of the country (my moms car lol), passports and even the wedding invitations. All organized with colour coded tabs. This time around, I had our maps printed out a few days before, the bags weren't finished being packed until the morning of and I'm pretty sure I forgot at least 5 things. I was definitely trying to make myself less 'planny' and less overwhelmed... My anziety levels were sky rocketing might I add.
But you know what? I survived. It was a fantastic trip. Nothing went horribly wrong. We even changed the route home as we were on the road and I WAS OKAY! CRAZZZZYYYY!!!
I think this is a lesson that we are so fearful of learning; especially for us planners and over-thinkers. We hold on to the norm, the routine or the plan so tightly that when something does go wrong, we implode. It becomes utter chaos. I tell my clients every day: "What's the harm in trying something new? You don't like it? Okay, we won't do it again. But what if you LOVE IT?!" and BAM they try it, love it and we have a new hobby/passion/activity etc.
So I guess I finally tried something new and scary, and though I may not have liked being less 'planny', I survived and I'm more comfortable with the idea of letting some things go.
It was a big step that I can look at with my Recreation 'hat' on and say "Good job. You took a step out of your comfort zone and now that bubble is a little bigger. You showed progress" And being able to say that to myself is really cool.
Second thing about our trip, IT WAS SO FUN!
Since I just started my 'Big Girl Job' this was my first ever real vacation time. When I worked retail through college and university, I just kinda booked time off willy-nilly whenever I wanted to, and because I didn't work set hours it didn't really matter. But now that I only have 2 weeks of vacation time a year (for now), and my hours are Monday-Friday, it was my first real vacation time off of work.
Even though I missed my clients every single day I was off, I enjoyed every minute of my vacation. Even the few days before and after our trip where we just stayed home and did absolutely nothing. It was amazing. It was so relaxing to just do nothing, or go for a walk or hike or watch a movie in the middle of the day. My brain finally got some time to reset and recharge.
We did so much fun stuff while we were away; batting cages, mini putt with friends, climbed a 100 year old tower/castle, hike in a chasm and more. I can't believe how much stuff we packed in to our 1 week of vacation.
Moral of this post I guess is to just, take the vacation. Take the spontaneous weekend day trip. Do it. Push those boundaries and safety bubbles because there is so much on the other side of them that you will enjoy and find peace in. I feel like I took a huge step on conquering my anxiety with this trip and at the same time I got the chance to give myself a little TLC.
Self care doesn't always have to be a bubble bath and glass of wine (although that sounds AMAZING). Self care can be spending time with friends and family, trying something new and exciting, and pushing yourself to do more even if it scares you, because in the end, it might be the best thing for you.
More posts to come!
-Cheers
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