I learned (re-learned, actually) a few things while on vacation and thought I'd share them here. In no particular order and certainly not all of them:
Family is so important to me. Togetherness sometimes gets lost in the details of raising a family; running a household, homework, balancing the checkbook, laundry, etc, etc, etc, things all a necessary part of family living, can also be a cause for disconnecting. Reconnecting and spending a week of quality time together reinforces that importance for me. Rediscovering how much I enjoy hanging out with all of them; my family, my parents, both of my brothers, my brother's girlfriend and all of our 6 kids - some families can't be in the same room for long, we had 13 of us in one vacation rental house for 8 days and loved every minute of it. I just wish my sister and her family could have joined us - another vacation, someday.
Slowing down and breathing life in, enjoying what life is offering now. Slow isn't how I would typically describe our vacation as we crammed as much as possible into the 8 days. But the overall feeling on the island is a slower paced lifestyle and it fit me nicely. Heck the speed limit on most of Kauai is 25mph - a bit strange at first but once we were adapted to it, it was kind of nice to actually observe what's going on around you when driving from place to place. I intend to add slowing down to my daily repertoire (although not on the roads, LOL, pretty sure it would be stressful for me if I did, iykwim!).
My watch came off on the 7th and didn't put it on until the 14th. How freeing!
No TV for me for an entire week and I didn't feel like a missed a thing (our dvr here at home says otherwise LOL). I think I'll re-think what I watch here at home.
Computer time was minimal. We purposely left our laptop at home,so any computer time for me was quickly done on my brothers iPad. Another freeing experience and it will have an impact on me now that I am home. I will not be on the computer as much. As far as keeping this blog up and running, the decision is still out.
I left my cell phone at the house most days, not all, but most. Although I did send out a dozen or so picture texts, so it was helpful to have around. :) But not feeling naked without it was a great feeling!
Family is so important to me. Togetherness sometimes gets lost in the details of raising a family; running a household, homework, balancing the checkbook, laundry, etc, etc, etc, things all a necessary part of family living, can also be a cause for disconnecting. Reconnecting and spending a week of quality time together reinforces that importance for me. Rediscovering how much I enjoy hanging out with all of them; my family, my parents, both of my brothers, my brother's girlfriend and all of our 6 kids - some families can't be in the same room for long, we had 13 of us in one vacation rental house for 8 days and loved every minute of it. I just wish my sister and her family could have joined us - another vacation, someday.
Slowing down and breathing life in, enjoying what life is offering now. Slow isn't how I would typically describe our vacation as we crammed as much as possible into the 8 days. But the overall feeling on the island is a slower paced lifestyle and it fit me nicely. Heck the speed limit on most of Kauai is 25mph - a bit strange at first but once we were adapted to it, it was kind of nice to actually observe what's going on around you when driving from place to place. I intend to add slowing down to my daily repertoire (although not on the roads, LOL, pretty sure it would be stressful for me if I did, iykwim!).
My watch came off on the 7th and didn't put it on until the 14th. How freeing!
No TV for me for an entire week and I didn't feel like a missed a thing (our dvr here at home says otherwise LOL). I think I'll re-think what I watch here at home.
Computer time was minimal. We purposely left our laptop at home,so any computer time for me was quickly done on my brothers iPad. Another freeing experience and it will have an impact on me now that I am home. I will not be on the computer as much. As far as keeping this blog up and running, the decision is still out.
I left my cell phone at the house most days, not all, but most. Although I did send out a dozen or so picture texts, so it was helpful to have around. :) But not feeling naked without it was a great feeling!
Mahalo, Kauai, for everything!V.~
9 comments:
Well said Val. I think in the recent economic recession, people have come to realize that the simple things and family and friends are more important than anything money can buy and that we need to slow down and simplify our lives.
My thoughts exactly!! I'm glad you had such a wonderful vacation. I just had that same experience last month with my boyfriend. It's interesting how quickly we can let "everyday life" interfere with what's really important.
Aloha Val. I was looking at your pics and thought "hmmm this looks like my island." Then I read your entry. lol it is Kauai. It is a great place to reconnect with your core. You can hear yourself think and you don't feel obligated or rushed to do something. I'm glad your family had a wonderful time. :)
Oh sounds like you had a much-deserved great vacation!!!!
thank you for this chatter, Val...I needed to hear this right about now! So happy for the time you had with family...nothing more important than that!
Kind of funny, but I had the same experience this year. There was 15 of us all together (oldies, kids and everything inbetween) and we rented a house on the beach for a week. So interesting but so amazing to have had that time with my family, especially since we live so far from them.
I absolutely agree Val! Love the photos!! The TV I have conquered (don't watch by choice) but the computer is another story - will try and incorporate the wisdom of your post into my life - you continually amaze and inspire me Val - xoxoxo Cindy
Agree with you on all points..blogging, tv, phones, email, eat time..precious time.
Beautiful pictures and beautifully said--now I could practice what YOU preach, lol!
hugz,
Suzanne
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