After attending a bridal shower on Saturday, I drove home and changed into running clothes fully intending to get out and pound the pavement.Instead, I climbed into bed and fell asleep.Four hours later, I woke up.I needed exercise, but I guess I needed to slow down and rest even more.
This weekend marks the end of our first week back following spring break. We’ve had to adjust, because our vacation was like a week-long nap—we weren’t literally sleeping all week, but mentally and emotionally we rested.The simplicity of camping offered agenda-free days: We enjoyed naps and chats while lounging on the sand; long, leisurely walks along the beach; rainy afternoons that sent us to the campground’s activity center where we played Scrabble and Monopoly. Our internal winter melted away as we warmed and softened in the Florida sun. Even the rainy days offered a kind of Slow Zone.
“Look at your mama finally smile,” my husband remarked to the kids as we walked to the beach one morning.”What do you mean ‘finally’?” one of them asked.”I mean a real smile,” he said. “A relaxed smile.”I nodded. “A Florida smile?””You’re happier when you’re warm,” he observed.
“And by the beach,” I added.The sun was especially brilliant the day we had to leave. We lingered, strolling down the beach one last time to a spot we called “the cove” where the kids discovered hermit crabs.But we had to leave the hermit crabs, gulls, dolphins and starfish. We said goodbye to the shells and the sea oats and the waves curling and crashing and skimming toward us gently, soft and foam-edged.
We packed up to return to our regularly scheduled program—you know, life—with its classes, deadlines, assignments and appointments. And chillier temperatures.Fourteen hours later, we were home. The pace picked up, and agenda-free moments were replaced by schedules and expectations. All week I marveled how suburban living in a land-locked state hundreds of miles from the ocean or Gulf can suck the life out of me. Since launching this slow-down fast, the most effective week of our slow-down Lent was that vacation week.I’m still smiling, though.
Even here, 800+ miles north of that Florida campground, temperatures are rising. Flowers are blooming. We’re back home facing all those classes, deadlines, assignments and appointments, but in the midst of all that can I still take walks, play Scrabble, and read books? Can I still smile?I think so. I miss the beach, but I can slow down enough to smile.
What a delightful vacation. I wish my regular life could be like your beach vacation. Thank you for the reminder of what rest looks and feels like.
Me, too! I would love to live a schedule-free life near the beach, but I think I have to wait for retirement. 🙂
What a beautiful smile, Ann!
My husband hates the beach, but he took me two years ago for our anniversary. He said, “It’s the first time I’ve ever seen you completely stop.” Something about the sand and the water makes it so easy for me to just be.
Blessings as you re-enter your regularly scheduled life.
Ann,
Good for you! Sometimes I don’t even realize how busy and crazy things have gotten, and then, I step away (like your Florida vacation!) and thankfully, see everything a little clearer.
Due to all the snow, we only get a two day spring break this year, sad, sad.
I can really see the difference in the last photo of you. My husband has always said that nature is my ideal setting — it brings out the beauty from within. So glad you had a wonderful time, and I hope that it continues to bring you joy long after.
ahhh. I agree fully. It takes time to decompress from the crunch that fast-paced living puts on us. Once I’m decompressed, my face has more energy to smile. 🙂
And the sound of ocean waves is soul therapy for me. I’m headed to Florida next month for a week-long session. I can’t wait to find my Florida smile there. I will look for it early and find a way to pack it up and bring it home with me.
That is a lovely smile !! I believe you needed that 4 hour nap to recover for the vacation “lag.” Can’t call it jet lag. :=)
After a weekend of camping, and full days of play, I can relate to the need for a four hour nap. Alas, too much to do and laundry still beckons. Our spring break is next week and we’re hoping to get away to the beach for a week as well. I’ll keep you posted. 🙂
By the way, I love the smile and the “finally.” I think my own family is ready to see me finally smile. Hannah pulled me aside last night and asked if I was PMS’ing. The thing is… I wasn’t. I’m not. Just in need of one of those “finally” smiles, too.
What a luminous smile! Obviously your vacation was good for you 🙂
Oh, what a beautiful smile. Is there something of that kind of relaxation we can bring back to “real” life with us? I hope so. But I struggle to do that myself.
Looking forward to seeing your smile again soon!