I spent five days in a caravan on the beautiful west coast of Wales with friends. In total there were 8 of us: including a four month old baby, and three very energetic small children.
Before I went, another friend commented that it didn't sound much like a relaxing break. But on the contrary, it was very much what I needed.
You see the thing about sharing a small space with lots of people is you have to be very much present to and with one another, and the thing about going on holiday with little people is that they are very engrossing and demand all of your attention.
As such, it forced me to switch off from the strains and stresses of everyday life.
I barely looked at my emails, responded to far fewer messages than usual, ignored the news, and didn't scroll endlessly through twitter getting depressed about the state of the world.
Instead I spent hours splashing in the swimming pool and hours on the beach. I went for long walks in the wind and got caught in a rain storm. I read bedtime stories. I paddled and I played. I entertained children on two long train journeys. I stayed up too late chatting, slept a little and got woken up early. I ate good food and drank many cups of tea. I watched the sunset over the sea and the tide splash against the rocks.
I remembered to appreciate these precious people who are such an important part of my life.
I allowed myself to be fully present where I was.
So yes, I came home shattered and slept extremely well on Friday night: but through the exhaustion, I also returned home thoroughly mentally refreshed. So now I suppose I better get back to the email inbox and funding applications and other such joys ...
