This spring break, I had friends going all over. Leaving the country, hiking in the woods, spending a week soaking up some sun on the beach. But I did not. I spent some time with my extended family. Some family I haven't seen in a couple of years. Truthfully, I think I had just as much fun as I would have had I gone with my friends somewhere.
After a tough semester, we all need a break. And we all need a break in different ways. As much as I would have loved to be laying on a beach somewhere, spending some time with family was equally as fun to me. It was great to catch up with them and spend some time with them because with how far away we are from each other, it makes it hard to plan a trip to see them. And to not have to spend a fortune on an Airbnb, food, and travel costs was an excellent added bonus to my trip.
All throughout the week, my family kept thanking me. They said, "thank you for forfeiting your spring break to spend some time with us." They texted me or thanked me in person when I got there, and while I was leaving. What??? Of course! I see my friends every day, and I'm still young. There is plenty of time to plan a trip to the beach with my best pals. But it's not every day we book a trip to visit extended family. Not every day do I get the chance to catch up with them. Truthfully, after a tough semester, or a stressful semester, some time away and with my family is all I need to feel better.
It was a rejuvenating week. Relaxing, and stress-free. No class notifications. Minimal emails from organizations, job, etc. No responsibilities. And spent with easily some of my favorite people. I would not take back this spring break, because it was exactly what I needed. After this relaxing week I had, I'm ready to return to school and finish the rest of the semester strong. A week away from my friends has me so excited to see them, and catch up on our spring break adventures.
With that being said, yes I spent my spring break with my extended family rather than somewhere cool with my friends. But no, I did not have FOMO. I love my friends dearly, and as a 20-something year old in college, we all want to "make the most out of these days." But getting away from stress, and catching up with my family was necessary. I was a much-needed break from reality. It was a relaxing couple of days. I did miss my friends and wished I could be there during their crazy spring break experience, but I know there will be more trips to come.
