mini vacation

I came across Gwen Bell's site a few weeks ago. I think it was via a mention on Unravelling.

Gwen's how to create a personal manifesto made a big impression and is something I'm working on. I do love lists and I believe in the power of setting goals. Sometimes other commitments can get in the way and it's good to stand back and think about what you want your life to be like.

Another great post on Gwen's site is how do you start your day? and describes an idyllic and peaceful way of setting out on your daily walk through the world. Coming back into the real world after a week of my own little rural idyll, I'm craving my early morning walks up the hill, my daily communing with the seventeen strong herd of baby bulls and the vast expanses of open space.

I'm working with Dyana Valentine and on yesterday's call she mentioned an idea that I'd been contemplating too. Factoring into your monthly calendar one of those things that gives you joy and fulfillment. It could be a walk by the seaside, a walk in the park, a trip to a favourite place. It takes an element of effort and making the time but it brings with it an intangible something that recharges your batteries. Essentially it takes you back to source.

Fortunately for me, Derbyshire is not a million miles away and, even when I was driving around the tiny villages and hamlets, I was conceiving a plan to get back there on a regular basis. Perhaps to visit with my baby bulls or walk up the hillside. To spend a Sunday exploring Tideswell or Tissington or Eyam. To drink a latte in one of my favourite teashops and pretend that I'm there for longer than the weekend.

You don't have to wait for a week off work or a long weekend to take yourself off somewhere. You can do it at any time. You just have to factor it in and make it happen.