Some people might ask why I needed a staycation. Isn't retirement a permanent staycation? And I will answer, yes. I have been on a staycation for the last 26 months. But even though I'm no longer on the subway each weekday morning at 8:15 and I am able to do my errands at the very civilized hour of noon, life can still settle into a routine. Exactly where I found myself last Tuesday.
So I stopped the routine and took a staycation. For a few days I stopped going to the gym and I stopped blogging. I did minimal errands and I threw my routine out the window. It felt great. I did get to Weight Watchers, walked miles in place of the gym and took lots of pictures for blog posts. I tucked away my planner, ate cookies and let myself dream. For five days I broke out of my routine and thought and dreamed about what I'd like to do, not what I needed to do.
The results weren't that wild, but I enjoyed the summer air instead of the gym and thought of travel ideas that were long buried. I realized I'd scheduled a lot of things when I retired -- I am a scheduler -- but I forgot to schedule my dreams. I don't think I'll make that mistake again.
So I stopped the routine and took a staycation. For a few days I stopped going to the gym and I stopped blogging. I did minimal errands and I threw my routine out the window. It felt great. I did get to Weight Watchers, walked miles in place of the gym and took lots of pictures for blog posts. I tucked away my planner, ate cookies and let myself dream. For five days I broke out of my routine and thought and dreamed about what I'd like to do, not what I needed to do.
The results weren't that wild, but I enjoyed the summer air instead of the gym and thought of travel ideas that were long buried. I realized I'd scheduled a lot of things when I retired -- I am a scheduler -- but I forgot to schedule my dreams. I don't think I'll make that mistake again.
The rooftops of Manhattan
Tomorrow afternoon I leave for a Maine -- time with a friend of long-standing, blueberries, lobster and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. I promise you photographs, but I can't say when. I may be away from internet connectivity and that could be a very nice break, too.
As ever, thanks for visiting and have a sweet week!
12 comments
Sometimes, Buttercup, one just has to do that!!(smiles)---have a fun trip---loveeeeeeee lobster and blueberries. Blessings
I like the idea of a staycation. I'm going to mull that over as a possibility of getting to know our new area better--as a live-in tourist.
Best,
Bonnie
Enjoy your trip. Sounds wonderful !
have fun
I love that photo - - the buildings are almost silhouetted which makes for a great contrast to that gorgeous blue sky.
Hmmmm - - - thinking and planning a bit must be in the air. Something I was reading last night talked about visualizing an "end result" no matter what the project and then write it on paper because the things written down are more apt to be accomplished than those in our minds.
You bring up a great point, Carol. Retired or not, I think everyone can fall victim to his/her routine. That's neat that you recognized what was 'up' and had the moxie to act on it!
Doing what you want, not what is a routine or what you think must be done, is something we should all do. It might be better, and definitely cheaper, than a trip to the Bahamas. Enjoy!
Sounds like such a nice time... just being you, and doing what ever you wanted to do :)
Enjoy your trip. I very much look forward to seeing your pictures... when you have a chance to share them with us.
~K.
Buttercup, Have lots of fun. I love your roof top photo. I am fascinated by the water towers on the roofs. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
All breaks are good. We need them.
I love that you threw caution to the
wind and ate cookies, you are a
rebel aren't you?
Enjoy your trip, see you soon.
M :)
I need to write that in my planner today....TAKE Time To DREAM! I think I have forgotten that too. After my retirement I got all caught up in taking care of Richard and the teens. Now I need to re-learn how to take care of myself. Thanks for the reminder. Wish I was in Maine with you eating lobster! Yum!
This is a beautiful message to me, Carol. I just returned from San Diego where I babysat while my daughter and her hubby went on a cruise. It was a blessing in disguise. I still worked hard, but it was very different from my routine. It recharged me, but I think I will take your advice and do some dreaming...
Post a Comment