Gratitude for a break from the norm
We went to visit friends in Berlin recently and it was wonderful to immerse ourselves in a different place, with different people, a different language, a different culture, different sights and sounds. I could almost feel my batteries being recharged as I took it all in.
Whilst there is so much comfort and joy to be found in the familiar and the every-day – and so much to be thankful for here too – every time I have a break from my usual routine, I come back feeling energised.
(Of course, this might also have something to do with not being at work for a few days, but it feels deeper than that.)
It reminded me about the different types of rest that we need in order to thrive. Yes, it’s not just physical rest, but also creative rest, emotional rest, social rest, mental rest, spiritual rest and sensory rest.
If you’d like to learn more about these different types of rest, I’ve uploaded a free copy of my Guide to Rest.
A totally different perspective on life! Being above the clouds is always a good reminder that there is a whole world out there (easy to forget when we are ensconced in our own stresses).
self-reflection prompts
When I reflected on this trip after arriving home, I realised that I felt a huge appreciation for the break from my usual routine. No meals to plan, no weekly food shop to organise, no laundry, no cleaning, no planning, no early morning dog walks….Just space to think and BE.
So, this week my invitation to you is to find a pause, or a break, in your day to day routine, even for a moment.
– What would you like to get a different perspective on?
– Where could you take a step back (whatever that means to you)?
– When in your day (or your week) could you find a pause?
– Can you think of a recent time when you’ve felt appreciative of a break, or some time away from the daily grind? What did you do? What was it like? How could you bring a little of that to your week?