Vacation. We all look forward to it even as we hustle and bustle to get ready for it: make sure our duties are covered in the workplace, the house is locked up tight or a sitter is arranged, clothes are unpacked and repacked (going to warmer weather!), errands are run, bills are paid, and the car is road-ready.  It seems a lot of work is involved, but we don't mind because we are going on vacation!

I went to Florida in January and was gone for two and a half weeks.  I had every intention of using my time to come up with some creative ideas for the Higher Self Bookstore, plan a budget, make a marketing plan, etc.  Didn't happen.  What I did instead was relax and have fun. Imagine that!

The old Ricki would have beat herself up for not sticking to her goals, for not being "productive."  Didn't I write about relaxing last month?  The new Ricki came home feeling good, relaxed, optimistic, and peaceful.  I guess the spirit wants what the spirit wants!

What I am totally fascinated with is my new-found ability (actually, re-found, as I used to be able to do this easily, then I forgot) to hold on to that peace, even facing the work load that awaited me at the store and at home.  Preparing for vacation is one thing, catching up after you get back is another!

This peace prevails, throughout my body, the memory imbedded in my cells.  As I work to catch up and address all the things that need doing, I notice that I am not feeling overwhelmed, or angry, or any other bad feeling that used to be my experience upon a return from vacation, no matter how wonderful it was.  Hey, committing to "relax" worked, even though I forgot that commitment almost as soon as I made it, embarrassed to say.

How do I hold on to this?  Not sure, but I'm pretty sure, knowing me, that it won't on its own without a little help.  So here's another commitment that I may forget, but the Universe won't! - spend more time having fun, enjoying the moment, being with friends, laughing...most of all laughing!  If you all have any fun ideas for me, please, let me know!  Sometimes, I forget.

Oh, yeah, I did come up with a few ideas for the Higher Self Bookstore...I'll keep you posted:)