Recently, my family and I took a vacation to Florida. This was different than trips we had taken in the past, however, for one big reason. This trip, unlike ones taken by my family in the past, was spent in one location, as some would call it, a “staycation”. This was unlike our former trips, in which we would drive from place to place, usually only staying in a location for a few days before moving on.
When I first discovered we would be taking this trip, I was excited, but at the same time, I was a little uncertain. I love seeing new places and exploring new towns, so the thought that I would be staying in one location the whole time made me wonder if I would get restless.
However, after spending a week in the beautiful sunny state, I can honestly say this “staycation” was one of the most relaxing, as well as refreshing, experiences of my life. This trip, unlike past ones, allowed me to slow down for a while and really evaluate what was important in my life. I feel that often, we get so caught up in our own busy lives that we forget to slow down and look at what’s around us. Little did I know that staying in our one spot for a week, with no agenda or plans, was really what I needed most.
This vacation made me realize that sometimes the best things in life are the little things, things that don’t cost money but we often take for granted. Giving myself permission to slow down for a week, without the burden of homework or stress weighing me down, allowed me to truly appreciate these little things. The great aspect of the little things is that regardless of where you are or who you are, you can participate in them. They are things that are often overlooked, but should never be underappreciated; they have the ability to bring peace and joy to all of those that are willing to try to them out. I’d like to share some of the little things I participated in that I enjoyed most. I also challenge you all to take a moment from your busy lives to try one of them as well. It won’t take much of your time, and trust me, it’ll definitely be worth it.
One of my favorite “little things” to do was watching the sunset in the evening. There is something truly indescribable about watching the sun drift lower and lower into the horizon until it disappears altogether. The colors are breathtaking, turning the world into a collage of vibrant oranges and reds, and the world seems to stop altogether, if only for a brief moment. During these precious moments, I was able to find a peace within myself that I hadn’t experienced for a long time. The great thing about watching a sunset, or even a sunrise, is that you can do it from pretty much anywhere (unless it’s really foggy outside). All you need is the ability to take a few minutes out of your busy day to go outside and watch it.
Another thing I did that brought me happiness was looking up at the stars. One night, I decided to go out onto the balcony. I can’t tell you what compelled me to do it; it wasn’t exactly warm and the ocean was almost invisible in the night. However, I’m so glad that I decided to go outside anyway. That night, the sky was bursting with twinkling stars. There were so many stars outside that night that the sky itself seemed to twinkle with their glow. I felt so close to God in that peace-filled moment. While it might be harder to see the stars in a big city with numerous lights, I encourage you to seek the stars when you’re in a less populated area. The cliché of laying on a blanket under the stars might be overdone, but it still holds a semblance of truth. There truly is something magical about watching the stars at night.
The last thing I did involved designating time for myself in the evening. While this is easier to do on vacation than during the school year, I believe it can still be accomplished year round. Even if it’s only fifteen minutes at night before going to bed, having “me time” is extremely important. Allowing myself, this time, to watch Netflix or read Stephen King’s 11/22/63 novel at night truly allowed me to relax. For a time, I was able to forget about the daily worries I have in my life. For a moment, I was able to lose myself in a good series, or book, and forget about the worries I had. Setting aside this time for myself helped me to become more peaceful as well after a long day. I think this seemingly little thing was one of the best parts of the trip and something that I will carry on into the school year.
In life, we can become so busy that we forget to look up and simply enjoy the view. The next time you find yourself looking for something you can do to brighten up your day, just think about the options I’ve suggested. There is truly something to be said about the power of little things and the impact they can make in your daily life.
