 |
| A dolphin sneaking up behind me like all of life's problems. |
I just got back from an amazing Caribbean cruise with my family. We got to relax, let go... stop worrying. As someone with OCD, any excuse to stop worrying is a welcome one.
But then you get to the middle. All of a sudden you feel that mix of nausea and stifled screams: You remember that vacation is going to end.
All those problems and stressers you were avoiding? They're coming right back at you. Then, the tragedy is that you spend a ridiculous percentage of the rest of your vacation worried about the end of your vacation.
My therapist (and a ridiculous amount of mental health tips) recommend practicing mindfulness - staying in the moment. It's not easy, but it's the only way to really enjoy your life.
As summer comes to a close, don't let the mid-vacation blues get you down. Don't let the upcoming winter stop you from enjoying these lovely sunny August days. Focus on the now. Enjoy.
A Caribbean vacation sounds wonderful. I've yet to travel there. I hope you can enjoy the rest of it by being mindful ;-)
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy it, thanks! Just a little worrying. :-X Now, I'm back to the job search!
DeleteThis happened to me on my 12 Day European Cruise in May. It really stopped me from enjoying Mykonos in particular, since it was nearing the middle of the trip.
ReplyDeleteI am a therapist who teaches mindfulness to clients on a daily basis. I'm very good at teaching it and completely believe that it is the best way to deal with anxiety and unwelcome thoughts and emotions in general. But man, when it comes to practicing it on my own, sometimes my anxiety does get the best of me.
Amen, girl. It's always easier said than done. But we gotta keep trying!
DeleteThis happened to me on my 12 Day European Cruise in May. It really stopped me from enjoying Mykonos in particular, since it was nearing the middle of the trip.
ReplyDeleteI am a therapist who teaches mindfulness to clients on a daily basis. I'm very good at teaching it and completely believe that it is the best way to deal with anxiety and unwelcome thoughts and emotions in general. But man, when it comes to practicing it on my own, sometimes my anxiety does get the best of me.
Mindfulness is definitely not easy...but it can save a person's life, literally and figuratively.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! It's a struggle, but it's worth it.
DeleteThe cruise sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt was! :) Hope you had a great weekend!
DeleteI followed bits of the cruise on FB. Meditation helps me. Not the sit-cross-legged-on-a-mat-and-go-ommm kind, but just pulling into myself, breathing deeply and using my senses to interpret the moment -- birdsong, waves on the beach, the feel of sand, that sort of thing. And saying like an affirmation, "I am so lucky to have this moment." It really helps me.
ReplyDeleteI love the affirmation idea! I'll have to incorporate it. :)
Delete