Easing Back into Home Life

Today is the start of the second full day since we returned from our extended vacation. Our granddaughters, whom I’ve missed so much, are with us while their parents work. 

Our old routines are falling into place.  

Since we left, our oldest grandchild has been able to pick out her clothes and completely dress herself (she just turned four), and her younger sister, who previously had speech difficulties, is talking clearly and non-stop. 

 It's amazing how much kids can grow and change in the span of a month.  

Today, entertaining the girls has been a breeze because all of their toys and typical activities seem brand new again. We walked to the park, and I pushed them on the big girl swings (a month ago, they weren’t interested). I suppose I have sufficiently worn them out because they have been asleep (or at least quiet) for a half hour now. 

Life is good. 

Today is the first day I feel my body is back in Florida rather than Hawaii. The time change and jet lag were brutal. 

My cat, who has become my constant companion since we arrived, continues to wake me as soon as the sun rises, but now I feel up for the task and am not dragging after lunch. 

It is interesting to me how many habits can go by the wayside on vacation. At home, I was pretty consistent at drinking 8 to 16 ounces of water first thing in the morning, touching my toes 15 times and doing stretches, listening to personal development/motivation while getting dressed and ready for the day, walking at least 8k steps every day, writing every day, etc. 

I had a morning routine.

During sea days on the ship, I consistently had coffee while looking out at the Pacific Ocean, got dressed while chatting with my husband, walked three laps around the promenade deck, checked the ship's itinerary for lectures or events happening that day, and attended them between lunch and dinner. I enjoyed many delicious varieties of carbs, red meat, red wine, and bottles of sparkling water. 

None of these things I do at home. 

 The card game I packed to pass the time was unnecessary. I did manage to write my weekly posts, but little else. Days in port were scheduled, and nearly every moment filled, but we are grateful to have seen as much of Mexico, Hawaii, and Victoria, BC, as we did. The lectures and documentaries onboard made us informed travelers.

Immediately after the mustering drill was over (no one's favorite part of cruising), we developed consistent routines, and we were very entertained, regardless of whether we were at sea. There were six sea days in a row, and after five days in ports in Hawaii, another five days at sea before arriving in Victoria, BC.  

Holland America made our daily routines easy. Some days, there was too much to do, so we had to choose between events. Sadly, I was not able to attend a watercolor lesson for beginners.

Back home, I am doing my best to step back into the routines I left behind, but with a new awareness and vigor. As a result, I don't feel like I am simply “going through the motions.” I am looking at each completed task with new appreciation and intentionality. 

The mere act of being back at home after nearly a four-week absence gives me a renewed perspective and awareness.  

I am noticing the beauty and warmth of the sunlight streaming through the windows, my artwork, the color schemes, the fresh smells, the joy of preparing a home-cooked meal, the feel of my special pillow, the room to move about, and even my two very needy cats who would appreciate it if we would not leave again. Their routines must not be interrupted, as they made it very clear.

Time has slowed after vacation. I value it so much more than before we left. I am aware of and thankful for moments that may have gone unnoticed previously.

 My senses and gratitude are heightened. 

I hope that this euphoria will last, but it is likely that, over time, my appreciation will fade into the blurry business of life. 

Still, I believe that if you manage to retain enough memories of pure joy in this life, they continue to show up in places and times you’d least likely expect them. 

I’m looking forward to that. 

 If you are heading for vacation soon, I wish you safe travels and sweet memories.

Whatever your plans are for the week ahead, I wish you all many moments of joy and happy surprises. 

Thank you for reading! 

Keep smiling!

xx