Wow! Time flies when you’re living life (and having fun too). It’s been a year since my visit to the small island country in the Atlantic known as Cuba. It was a fabulous vacation filled with all sorts of awe-inspiring history, culture, people, art, architecture and more. I came back hungry for more and wishing I could’ve stayed longer. It was a beautiful experience in which all my senses were engaged from the time I woke up until I retired (aka, passed out) at night. I did my best to capture everything in pictures and notes so that I could savor the experience over and over again.
A lot has happened in the year since my vacation. You know how it goes, once vacation is over, we get right back to the rhythm of our daily lives, only squeezing in a bit of entertainment and relaxation here and there. Before long, the topped-off vacation tank is close to empty again. It happens. It’s part of the rhythm of life, especially here in the United States. We work long and hard to pay for things that, at some point, we realize we don’t need. Some of us accumulate vacation time and are actually forced to use it or lose it at the end of the year. Forced…to play? Forced to rest? Forced to reset? Yes. Forced. If we heard these same words in some other context or applied to someone other than ourselves, it would sound ridiculous. But as applied to us, somehow it seems reasonable. It’s important to take time out to rest our bodies and refresh our minds but sometimes it isn’t practical or possible. When this happens, why not take a mental vacation?
Mental vacations are necessary. They’re free, easily accessible, stress busting, morale boosting, and revitalizing. Sometimes, just a few moments looking out a window or listening to your favorite music will work miracles for an aching psyche. I took a mental vacation today. It was a non-stop flight to Miami where I changed planes and boarded a quick flight across the ocean to Havana. There were no long lines through airport security or flight turbulence. The weather was gorgeous throughout the trip. I met wonderful people, tasted good food. And the colors! Oh, such gorgeous colors. They were everywhere! Especially in the evening sky as the sun began to set beyond the horizon. It was a splendid vacation. I did so much while I was gone. I needed that trip. My trip was courtesy of some photos from the actual vacation. That was all it took to breathe a bit of energy into the day. Recalling the faces and moments gave me the break I needed. It was the best 20 minutes of this week.
If you notice you’re grumpier, sicklier or more anxious than usual it may be time for a virtual vacation. Take a little time to unplug, smell the roses, break a sweat, take a nap or indulge in your favorite hobby. You’ll feel better, more productive, more creative and less stressed. It may be your best trip yet.
Now relax and enjoy your own quick getaway to Cuba with the slideshow below:
Thanks for so eloquently reminding us of the importance of resting not only the body, but the mind and spirit, as well.
Thank YOU!
That was a beautiful trip, made me feel like I was there. Thanks
Thank you!!
Your excursions through words continue to transport those of us who read them. Today the voice in my head screamed, “I wanna go!” and I “traveled” to my recent vacation where elephants splashed mud on their bodies to keep themselves cool, and lions laid on their backs in the shade and slept like kittens, and giraffes batted those oh-so-long eyelashes as they chewed leaves from the top of a tree. See! I went there again! Thank you for being the guide. (And thank you, too, for the huge smile on the face of the dog who sat snuggly in seat of the swing and napped. It made me smile, too!)
Oh wow!!! Thanks for my new excursion! I wanna go play with the animals.
How absolutely needed was this reading! I stepped away and returned to South Africa, reliving it all…without the lengthy flight and kankles that I managed to get from the long flight. Thank you for reminding us that we can do this!!!
When my mind flight landed, I was rejuvenated!
Thanks I tilted, now I’m flourishing! …..K.Mizell
Well, thanks to T&F I just returned again from South Africa. No long flight, no kankles (swollen ankles from the long flight.)….
I was able to enjoy the sites again and simmer in the smell of the delicious food. When I returned from my trip, 20 minutes later, I was rejuvenated…
Thank you so much T&F for reminding me that I don’t have to board the plane in order to relive my wonderful trip!!!!…..K. Mizell
No cankles….lol!! Thank YOU for the laugh.
Thanks for the virtual vacation. Awesome pics!
You’re welcome.
Thank you for the free get-away I truly needed that! How awesome your word are to remind us of the importance to take a mental break and get away to something, some place that remind us of how blessed we are. And to help restore and being back the things that make is smile
Keep flourishing!!!!
Your quest to be unique and explore unique is refreshing and fulfilling I applaud you for being you. Thank you for Sharing