I have decided that my goal is to have my life feel like a perpetual vacation…
Some time ago, I had some friends visit me from the mainland, and I took a day to show them some of my favorite places on the island and ‘play tourist’.
I noticed that when I was in ‘vacation mode’, I had a very different outlook. As I was driving roads that I travel regularly, I saw them through new eyes – I noticed how spectacular and breathtaking our mountains and beaches are. I saw my home of Hawaii from a different perspective – in fact – I SAW Hawaii as I drove around, instead of ‘being’ somewhere else! Instead of listening to the radio or a CD – instead of thinking about what I had to do when I got to my destination – instead of getting irritated with the way the person ahead of me was driving – instead of trying to be in the fastest moving lane – instead of catching up on my phone calls… I noticed that I was relaxed… as if, and, here it is…. Drum roll… as if, I didn’t have a care in the world and my only focus was to savor and enjoy every moment! In other words, as if, I was on vacation!
So, if I were living a perpetual vacation, what would that be like? I would pay attention to what I wanted to do, rather than I what I felt I should do. I would not be in a hurry, because, hey, who cares? I’m on vacation! I would wake up with ease and anticipation of the coming day, because, of course, I am on vacation. I wouldn’t worry about the housework, or catching up on all the errands, because they would wait until I got to them. Besides, I am on vacation! I would be making my pleasure and joy a top priority, since this ‘vacation time’ was precious. I would plan a slower pace, because it is no fun being rushed and stressed out when I am on vacation! I would savor each moment, because who knows when I will have the opportunity for that particular experience again. I would turn my phone off more often and return calls when it was convenient for me (gee – what an unusual idea!) since I wouldn’t want my enjoyment of the moment interrupted by phone calls.
So, you may be thinking, when do I make my living? When do I do the things I don’t care to do that need to get done, like laundry etc? When do I start behaving responsibly? Well, the truth is, I love what I do to earn my living, so it is a joy to show up and teach my classes and give Reiki treatments. I even enjoy writing this newsletter and getting it out to you folks (especially when I have people that come & help!) I can even have a sense of satisfaction when my home is clean, my laundry is done and I have organized a closet! The major difference is, that even on vacation, many of these things get done, but they are done when I FEEL like doing them, rather than because I SHOULD do them.
Even on vacation, I sometimes have a schedule – a flight to catch, or a call to make. Those details are simply the steps to take me towards more FUN! So, why can’t the things I have to include in my day all feel as if they are taking me towards something more enjoyable? It is all in my viewpoint.
When I am on vacation, I feel worry free. There is a sense of endless time, a sense of abundance, ease and enjoyment. There is an anticipation of unexpected new pleasures. There is an expectation that I will have a great day, and any obstacles or glitches that I come across will make an amusing story later when I reminisce about my ‘great vacation.’ So, why can’t my life be a perpetual vacation? I will remind myself any time I feel rushed or stressed that I can shift gears and go back to my vacation! Want to come play with me?
