Hello
I’ve just got back from ten days in Wales and the weather was amazing! I’m not here to brag or bore you with another long re-hash-holiday-story. Just to bring you a couple of ideas that I have to keep reminding myself about.
The photo is taken early one morning before the world and their dog arrived on the beach to enjoy the glorious day. The strange thing about this visit was it made me a bit sad. I often visit this beach in my head and think about the soft sand, gentle breeze, ice cold sea and the exhilaration of watching the dog race up and down the beach to her hearts’ content. However, whilst actually standing there, in reality, I felt a little black cloud hovering right above my head. I realised that the thought of having to leave the beach, the beach that I had been day dreaming about for the last twelve months, was bringing me down.
So, what did I do? Well, I had a little word with myself…
Firstly, I told myself to buck up and not waste the opportunity to enjoy the moment. Far too much of our time is wasted by wandering minds. I brought my thoughts right back to what I was doing, where I was, who I was with and stopped thinking ahead.
I then made a point of making the absolute best of every second on that beach. Which included running into that freezing cold, jelly-fish-ridden sea, running up and down with the dog, rolling on the sand and taking lots of photos.
My friend also joked that we needed to take ‘memory-photos’ to keep with us after we’d moved on. Cheesy, yes, but important.
Finally, I decided that I would use the fun memories that I was creating by living in the moment and revisit them when ever I felt the need (most days) as a way of taking a holiday whenever I liked. Holidays are a state of mind as well as a time away from home. It is possible to achieve that holiday state of mind every day, if we just make some effort. However, it is important to remember that a great state of mind does take some effort.
Just like our bodies, our minds need to have a ‘work-out’ from time to time too. To achieve and maintain ‘good mind’ is just as important as eating well and exercising.
To sum up my holiday-a-day plan:
- take time to live in the moment.
- make sure you build great memories by valuing and appreciating that which is around you. There is always something to appreciate, just remember to look!
- make time in your head for experiencing the joy of holidays, regularly.
- make time in your day for doing something relaxing and enjoyable, even if for a few moments.
Thats my plan! I’m off to the beach.
Alex