Do you ever find that when you’re in the swing of things you don’t ever quite realize how exhausted and spread thin you are?
Sure you may think, “I need a break,” but until you actually take a break you don’t realize how bad it was?
Well, ya. We just got back from a 10 day vacation to Vancouver Island, and it was all kinds of wonderful. I do a pretty good job of feeling sorry for myself some days, but, getting away was really good for my soul. I felt like we had time to unwind, just be and I found some space in my brain for reflection, learnings and growth.
To be quite honest, I think that’s the part of myself I’ve been missing the most. I’ve always been a pretty heavy into journalling, and I hadn’t picked up my journal until about the week before vacation. I had definitely lost touch. I think this is something most moms can nod their heads along to. You just fall to the bottom of the priority list. Ever since re-opening my laptop and resuming work, my days are baby and work and baby and work and a little time for sleeping and eating and time with my husband. I’ve loved having my husband at home so I could balance work and the early months with my son, but dang it wasn’t easy.
Vacation in this regard was so very bittersweet. To me, vacation is always a moment to pause and really truly live. The days are whatever you want them to be. An opportunity to let go of the grind, explore new places and shut off our brain. Vacation with a child doesn’t provide the same level of relaxation that it once did, but it’s so beautiful in another way.
When you don’t have the opportunity to just let go and be with your child each day, vacation really allows for you to pause and take them all in. Soak in their beauty, their changes and growth.
I didn’t worry about schedules or feeding times or how many hours of sleep I had (but that’s probably because he slept the best he’s *ever* slept before), we just lived and explored and adventured.
One of my most favourite parts was exploring the beautiful area wearing my son. Holding him close and living. That feeling and those memories are deeply woven into my heart and soul for life.
What do you take away from vacationing with your children?
pomelo / 5621 posts
I love family vacation time. Even though a vacation with a kid isn’t as relaxing it is nice to not have a schedule and spend the time together.
Great choice of a vacation spot! This will be my first summer ever not going to the island.