How can I actually enjoy this holiday?
I have done all the planning,
Counted down the days,
Packed my bags,
and done every last thing on my to-do list (well nearly),
Now the only thing left for me is…..
to enjoy it.
So how DO I actually enjoy this holiday?
This trip is something I have been looking forward to for a very long time. It is precious, it has been held aloft, fantasised over, and lovingly researched for months. The expectations are high, the investment huge, the logistics daunting – there is pressure to enjoy.
I know from working with clients over the years that that these long awaited life events are not always as easy to enjoy as we imagine. We get lost in the pressure pot of expectations and feel kind of flat or disconnected from the pleasure potential of the actual event.
It is not always that easy, which is why, in my opinion the enjoyment of my holiday requires a bit of conscious awareness.
I have a plan. A readily available holiday resource that is 100% guaranteed to keep me present and content throughout my trip.
Listen here as I share my secret weapon.
This photo is us on our last family trip to the UK about 3 years ago. We are in Fort William on the banks of Loch Ness. Psst the other photo above is also Loch Ness – can you spot the monster? My kids can.
So for me, tuning in to my heart, is like my support framework. It is the foundation for my contentment and inner peace. It comes first.
When I am tuned in, to my heart, I am into loving support of myself.
And from there, I can feel confident to feel it all – sadness, joy, disappointment, anger, and love.
This is the only tool I need to take with me on my travels. The enjoyment of my holiday does not come from being up and high 100% of the time – it comes from this foundation of connection. It is contentment and peace, even in the chaos.
How about you?
Big life event or not, this thread of connection can make you feel more able to feel contentment and peace in your everyday life.
I would love to hear from you, how does having a continuous thread of heart connection feel for you? Is it accessible? What would it look like for you?
take extra good care,
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Hi, I'm Nicole Mathieson, a relationship and body image coach, couple therapist and author.
My relationships blog helps couples learn practical ways to cultivate a deeper understanding of one another, find safety and connection in relationships, navigate difficult conversations and repair after conflict.
Just perfect timing as I am about to take a 4 week break. Not a big holiday overseas, but a change of scene in a warmer climate and I feel I need to “not work” and allow myself time off. I love these words and will carry these with me – “it comes from this foundation of connection. It is contentment and peace, even in the chaos” – connection, contentment, peace. Thank you x
Hi Katie,
Oh I am glad that the timing of this works for you. I am glad to hear that you are giving yourself some good quality time off and that you are now extra conscious of the thread of connection. I would love to hear how it goes for you.
Take care
xxN