The last two weeks have been quite the whirlwind…and not necessarily in a good way. I suppose the silver lining is that with every complication comes a lesson to know better, and do better next time. Aside from not feeling so well, the last few weeks have been extremely draining mentally and emotionally – in a way that I can’t seem to really get back on track with. The bottom line is that I would love to get away, even for a long weekend and completely unplug. And while there’s value in a stay-cation (and trust me, I’m a huge supporter of those!), I’m talking about a real trip. It’s to the point, I’m about to pack up my car and head somewhere solo for a few days. I just need a break. A real one.  In fact, just looking at this picture above makes me so incredibly happy, it’s the highlight of a rather not-so-swell week. Perhaps it’s because you get to leave your problems behind for a while and open yourself to new surroundings that appeal to me. And not necessarily to merely escape, but as a method to rejuvenate your spirit in such a way that you’re ready to revisit and tackle those everyday life nuances more refreshed.

So what’s the source of some of this thought? Well, I’ve been spending a lot of time recently thinking about what I want in my life and why certain things don’t seem to be measuring up to get even a little bit closer to that vision, thinking carefully about my role in particular. I know that the goal in life is to be grateful for what you have and find happiness in that, and of course, this is something I often tell myself when I get down about something. But, such as life, things have been off. The frustrating thing is that I know what those things are, but not necessarily what to do about them – though I’m taking steps to try to address them. You can’t sit around and complain, you have to do something, right?

Since no one wants be around a Negative Natalie (even online) there were moments that brought a smile to my face and from the most simplistic of things recently. I’ve been spending some time watching old horror movies, to get into the Halloween spirit – even putting up my old go-to pumpkin lights and turning them on at night has been so much fun when I’m lounging around at home. I’ve been enjoying my new Chromecast – getting sucked into an array of new TV shows, (Hostages and Sleepy Hollow seem to make the cut); while easily falling into Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed. While I can’t say I want to do something quite as drastic as her story at the moment – I do wonder what it would be like to pick-up and have that type of adventure that seemingly offers her the chance to reflect and re-balance her life. If I were do ever do something like that, I’d channel more of an Eat, Pray, Love story and head to Europe for awhile (minus the whole messy divorce/mental breakdown it took to get there). 🙂

So until I get to my version of the picture above, I’ve taken a friend’s recommendation and jumped on a great deal to a day spa in town through Amazon Local where I fully intend to veg out in the near future for a few hours, telling myself to always remain grateful. And don’t mistake me, I know that I am. But what’s wrong with wanting something a little more?

Have a great weekend!

Candi

*click picture for image source.