My family and I just spent a few days away together. It was really interesting because I totally felt myself level up in what I now expect to be standard accomodations when we go away. I enjoy paying for value and just because something is presented with value but is a totally crazy deal – is it worth it?
When I booked the getaway I literally said – crazy deal thats awesome lets do march break there!
Now… I am grateful for the time my family had together over the past few days.
What I find really inspiring is that I truly feel like this was an opportunity of growth, to recognize that although something costs money, we enjoy the value and will spend money on quality – for us this is incredibly important. When we follow our heart and soul, we are comfortable and happy. When we go against what we really want, just to save money and get a deal, we are putting our happiness aside. Like it doesn’t matter, we will settle for less.
I want more! I used to set my happiness aside, before I realized the value of what I was putting my time, energy and money. I value quality and was quieting that in me to justify less.
I have to be completely honest, when we went on the Disney Cruise, this is where I valued up to where my heart and soul feel at home with. I quietened everyone else’s voices – some were supportive, a few critics. I listened to us – listened to what we wanted to do. Spent the money on an incredible experience. Unlocked a level of happiness in me. The experience we had with our kids was truly priceless. I am so grateful. Its helped me to reach this level of happiness that I didn’t really know I was missing, but now value so very much.
Is like I suddenly have given myself permission to enjoy the fruits of our labour. We work smart and hard. Our work is a very big part of our life, day and night. So for us to take a “break” and take time off is pretty bug for us. I used to stress when we were away, however its so smooth its truly a nice break for us both. Our lives are very tied to our work, which honestly we do love, however of course there are times. There are times in anything we encounter in life… growth opportunity! When I began taking after hours calls this was a real test to my growing abilities in creating boundaries. We have amazing customers, however some have really taught me great examples in the importance of everyone having personal and business boundaries. Over the years my business ethics and belief’s have strengthened and I am proud of where we are today.
This afternoon as we were driving home, I was thinking of our few days away. How there were so many disappointing moments, but how we actively turned it to a positive. We didn’t even really “do” much. We ate, hung out, the boys skiied while the girls had a late lunch and picked up some things for our pets haha the extent of how we do “shopping” lol.
It is these years that I remember myself as a child. These years that I know my kids are going to remember when they think back to family vacations, getaways, being together. I was lucky to get an advance copy of “The Gift of a Happy Mother”. Written by a woman, Rebecca Eanes, who I met many years ago when we were both trying to conceive our first baby. I just finished this book yesterday while on our getaway. Her chapter towards the end of the book, When Littles Become Big, hit at home for me. In the way Rebecca talk’s about the shift from being the mom whose children need her and they are always with you, to a shift of wanting more personal time, time with friends etc. A great reminder of how precious every single moment is. It helped me sink into truly being in the moment together – even when for our family that means ensuring downtime is a must. A recharge point for us that is must needed. This getaway, although did not meet our expectations, it was shifting for me.
As we drove home, passing by various houses, one reminded me of our first home, I thought of our memories there and then immediately went to our current home. My husband mentioned about our 2nd home and how thankful he was we used that as a stepping stone to where we are now. Happiness flooded me, I truly love our home. I love the location, the layout, even that it has a country address. Something I, for some reason, always wanted. I am greatful for our life, for the challenges we have been presented with to grow and for our health and happiness. A true blessing.
Unlock your happiness to truly enjoy these amazing years of your life. Its so right, time does go by fast in the big picture as a parent. So BE in the moment, follow your heart and soul for your family to be your best selves –> that brings out the best in all of you, not just one or two of you.
