It’s February and holiday season is over. Are you planning your next holiday?
Years ago, at a holiday destination in Fiji, Hubby and I met a couple who had spent their annual holiday at the same resort … for the past 18 years. I judged them – privately of course – for what I perceived to be their lack of curiosity, the missed opportunities for adventure and personal growth.
But people need to choose their own adventure, or seeming lack thereof.
My aunty is planning a holiday to Rwanda to see the gorillas. What amazing memories she’ll make.
I have a bestie whose holidays usually involve long trips by road, train or plane, with tightly scheduled itineraries, to visit historical and cultural sites.
Neither of these two types of holidays call to me at this stage of my life.
For me, holidays are precious. There’s never enough time or money available in this short life to spend on a holiday that doesn’t meet my needs. And since we’ve moved to the country, it’s harder to get away in summer, when there’s endless watering, mowing and weeding.
We’ve just come back from a week’s break, camping at the beach. In summer. Last week, as I lay on our holiday beach 200kms away, I knew the grass was growing under our house-sitter’s feet.
Now we’re back and we’ll have to mow for two days, but the holiday was worth it. It ticked all the necessary boxes for me right now.
When I lived in a city, months would pass without my stepping on sand or grass, without seeing a sunrise or sunset. I needed trees, streams, rocky escarpments and gorgeous gorges. Remote hiking in Australia’s Top End? Tick.
Much earlier in my life, before kids, when I was establishing my own business, I worked 16hrs a day. I was completely focussed on my client’s needs and making the next mortgage payment. I popped Ibuprofen for headaches and alcohol for insomnia. I was vaguely aware my mind inhabited a body which moved me between client meetings, a body I was neglecting. After visiting a health farm, for detox and deep-tissue massage, I returned, more a human being and less a human doing. Tick.
When the kids were younger, each day was rushing between before/after-school care and work. Packing lunches, cooking healthy meals, weekends of shopping and house-chores. I needed a break with domestic assistance. Buffet meals, housekeeping and kids’ activities every day and evening. Yes.
Now I live on a rural property and work mostly from home. Aside from the bird calls and an occasional koala growl, it’s quiet. Most of my human interactions are via Teams meetings. I crave friendships, laughter, conversations, connection with others.
Our beach camping break with good friends was perfect. I lounged in the sun with sand between my toes. Each day started with coffee on the rocks, watching the surf and sunrise. Each day finished with a communal cook-up. We laughed from sun-up till sun-down.
Camped away from the city lights, one night we were lucky enough to see the Planetary Parade. Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus all clear against a crisp indigo canvas. Then the dark night fell completely and lights from thousands of stars sparkled to life as we all gazed upward.
Returning from one holiday I’m always planning the next. This break was just what I needed. My next holiday may well be the same again. And again. It’s ticking those most important boxes for me right now.
