I just returned from four awesome days in Boston visiting my special friend and his great family, and I am awash in wonderful memories and thoughtful reflections. I was all set to resume my daily routine today, but a nasty virus has waylaid my oldest daughter, so, I am home taking care of her. While I never like when either of my girls are ill, I always enjoy quiet time at home with them. While she naps, I decided to take time to share some of the ways I found myself being kind to myself and others while on the road:
- I decided to create a four-day weekend for myself, which was harder than it sounds, not because I did not have the time to take off from my job, as I have earned more than enough vacation time. It was difficult, because I hoard my vacation days and feel as if I cannot afford to take the time off from work. This “rule” is self-imposed, as my boss fully supports taking time for yourself, so, it was up to me to accept that there always will be work to do, but that I still need time off to relax. Hands down, taking those four days off was the best thing I have done for myself in a long time, and I plan to do it more often.
- I spent time relaxing in the company of an awesome family who made me laugh and smile, and I enjoyed some funny and touching conversations. Getting to know people without the distractions of my every day life was such a simple pleasure that meant a great deal to me.
- While on my trip, I gave “host” gifts to my special friend and his parents and treated some of the people I was visiting to ferry tickets, breakfast, coffee, etc., whenever I could, as I don’t get to do such things like that for them on a regular basis. I enjoy doing kind things for people I care about, so, it felt as good to give and as it did to receive the gifts that I received from them.
- Yesterday, as I flew from Boston to Washington, DC, I took time to chat with a fellow passenger, as we enjoyed the free beverage service. It was an easy, pleasant conversation, and it was a welcome change from feeling isolated in a crowded plane of travelers. It passed the time nicely, and it reminded me that the basic art of conversation sometimes gets lost in a world full of technology that keeps people from having face-to-face interactions more and more.
- During the second leg of yesterday’s journey home, I offered the woman seated next to me my pack of travel tissues, as she sniffled her way through the first part of our flight. Apparently, like many of us, she has allergies and was not feeling well, and she was very appreciative when I handed the tissues to her. It was a small gesture, but when you don’t feel well, especially while traveling, it can make a world of difference.
So, while I may have been out of my routine, I still managed to find some ways to do something positive for myself and for some other people in several states. Kindness was a mighty fine traveling companion indeed.
Just one thing each day . . .
Categories: Just One Thing Each Day
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I am happy to hear you got away and I hope your lil one feels better soon! 🙂
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Thanks for your kind words! It was a wonderful long weekend, and it was exactly what I needed on every level. My daughter is home from school sick for a third day in a row, but I am hopeful that this virus is on its way out the door. I am enjoying this time taking care of her, and it has reminded me why I want to work for myself someday soon. Here’s to good health, mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, for all of us!
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It sounds as if you had a great four days away.
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Elizabeth, it was a wonderful long weekend, and I am so glad that I was able to take the time off and to be in the company of such wonderful people. I hope that you had a nice weekend and that your week is going well!
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