Happy 2016!
I've been thinking a lot about my life lately and where I am on it's continuum. According to the WHOΒ list of countries by life expectancy, American women, on average live to be 81. I'm 52. So, if I'm lucky I can expect to live 29 more years.
I love my life and want to make the most of the years I have left.
I lose too much time thinking, worrying, fretting, planning, working, stressing, perfecting, busying.
After more than 15 years of yoga I still have much work to do with learning to be fully present in the now. I'm pretty good while on my yoga mat, it's the rest of the day that's the challenge.
A few weeks ago I read this on the side of a Lululemon bag: "What would you do if nothing stood in your way?"
That's easy, I would go on vacation.
I like who I am on vacation. I'm kinder. I'm friendlier. I'm happier. I'm more peaceful. I'm more present. I'm more patient. I'm more relaxed. I'm more fun. I'm more adventurous. I'm less serious. I'm less inhibited. I'm more observant. I'm a better listener. I'm more engaged in life.
I feel more alive when I'm on vacation. I'm much better at living in the now.
I first discovered this when I was eleven years old. I talked my parents into letting me take a weeklong YMCA bus trip to Washington DC. I went with my best friend, Kathy, and had the time of my life. I can still vividly recall so many details of that adventure.
Since my present situation doesn't allow me to go on vacation permanently, I want to devote 2016 to cultivating the feeling of being on vacation every day of the week every week of the year. I'm calling it my #vacation52 challenge. Β Want to join me?
I believe that being on vacation is really a mindset more than anything else. It's a way of thinking and acting. It's an attitude.
What Does A Vacation Lifestyle Look Like?
What makes vacation different and howΒ can you create it in your everyday life?
My vacation lifestyle is:
Simpler. Less cluttered. Pack and live lighter. Less stress. Limited choices.Β Make do mentality. I don't stock up at Costco when I'm on vacation.
Unplugged. Shut off the television. Limit time on the digital devices.
Connected. Take in more experiences. Connect with more people. Talk to strangers. Ask for suggestions. Say hello. Smile.
Slower. Take time to enjoy the moment(s). Linger over coffee. Connect with friends and family. Make dinner. Light candles. Sip and savor. Take more naps. Rest. Sleep in without guilt.
Exploratory.Β Live like a tourist. Discover the neighborhood, local restaurants, farmer's markets, festivals. Take new routes. Try new restaurants. Go to shows/exhibits. Get lost.
Active. Walk more. Bike more. Take in more sights.
Spontaneous.Β Take advantage of opportunities that present themselves. Say yes more often. Be open to the possibilities surrounding you.
Celebratory. Take time to celebrate the small stuff - sunsets, good hair days, engaging conversation, waking up, blooming flowers. Dress up. Take pride in your appearance. Eat nice food. Stop saving your "good" stuff. Indulge in little splurges.
I'm planning to post once a week for the next 52 weeks with an overview of how it's going to keep myself accountable.
Week #1: Cull the clothes and limit my wardrobe as though I were packing for a 2-3 week vacation in Phoenix.
Any ideas, suggestions, to help me with this challenge? Any ideas for how to live like I'm on vacation in Phoenix?
Subscribe to Get: Top 10 Reader Favorite Recipes
The Top 10 Most Popular Recipes (PDF) on Simple Nourished Living + Weekly Support Emails with Tips & Easy Healthy Recipes Not Found Anywhere Else!
Amy
Terrific goal, very well articulated! I'll be following along and hopefully finding my way to live in a vacation state of mind all year long. Happy New Year π
Martha McKinnon
Hi Amy! Thanks and Happy New Year to you π
Alicia
I like your thinking for 2016! I am also 52 years old and just signed up with Weight Watchers. My goal is to lose 30 pounds in a healthy way combining healthy choices and exercise. I also believe that at our age we need to have a more fun outlook on life. We need to do the things that truly make us happy. I'm looking forward to reading about your vacation 52 challenge. By the way, last week I was a "tourist" in my hometown (Miami) and it was lots of fun.
Martha McKinnon
Hi Alicia! Thank for your taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it. I love your goal of losing weight in a healthy way by combining healthy choices and exercise. And I love that you were a "tourist" in your hometown last week. What kind of fun things did you do???
Shelley
What a great idea!!! Thank you for sharing this!
Martha McKinnon
Hi Shelley, Thanks! I'm glad you like it and pretty excited about it myself π
Martha McKinnon
Hi Shelley, Thanks! I'm very excited about it myelf π
Kathi
I love this idea. Me and my girlfriends are always talking about why we can't live our life like we're on vacation because I am all those things you mentioned but I didn't know how to accomplish it. You said it perfect and I am going to follow you and try it myself! Thanks for your blog and all that you share.
Martha McKinnon
Hi Kathi, Thanks for your kind comment. I really appreciate. I believe it's possible if we can just think about things differently. So, far I'm really enjoying this new way of looking at things!
Sarah Kasch
Martha,
What a wonderful and inspiring idea.
I'm In and am sharing this. So glad I finally saw it.
Happy New Year from Florida.
Martha McKinnon
Hi Sarah,
Thanks!! So, glad to hear that you are in. It will be so much more fun to have other sharing what they are doing to create the vacation lifestyle all year long π Happy New Year to you too!! Where are you in Florida?
Marianna
After reading this, a thousand pound weight lifted off my shoulders! I'm tagging along on this journey with you Martha!
Martha McKinnon
Thanks, Marianna!!