“Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast — you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” — Eddie Cantor

I have been purposely quiet, indulging in some “slow living” and “slow travel”.

If you have been following me for a while, you can guess where I am but I will drop a few hints along the way.

It’s my first “vacation” since the world was turned on its’ head and since my life has shifted into a weirdly different dimension of the universe.

To be honest, the thought of taking a trip was NOT on my radar but when people outside of my inner circle started dropping hints that I should take time off work, go “somewhere” and disconnect for a while, I realized that they were seeing something in me to which I was denying.

With a leave without pay from work, some unused Airmiles, a few new T-shirts and a new bathing suit (because there was no way the old ones would ever fit), I dusted off my suitcase and headed to the enchanted island for an extended period of time. 

And I’m very glad that I did.

For the first week and with no “to-do” lists, I felt like a fish out of water but now…

My day always starts with an early morning mug of Cafe Rico on the balcony and is sometimes followed by a walk on the beach. Breakfast includes an excuse to indulge in a few slices of pan sobao while perusing emails and making a few calls. Then, off I go to the playa where I lie under the same coconut tree, read a novel, sip on tamarind juice and find myself napping until my stomach growls.

I head inside, make myself a simple lunch, check my cell for missed calls and texts (I don’t take it to the beach) and then I make the hard decision between repeating the morning routine or doing something I never have a chance to do while I am at home.

Every few days. I make a run to the supermercado, spend the afternoon meal prepping while listening to a salsa-flavored playlist or a podcast about the craft of writing.

The day ends with a long warm shower to rid myself of the sandy remnants of any negative thoughts that may have crept into my mind.

Dinner on the balcony with an ice-cold glass of something (that is not tamarind juice) while maybe, just maybe, having the perfect view of an impromptu display of fireworks.

A few phone calls later to check in with the real world and then I am off to bed. 

Then, I wake up the next day and rinse repeat. For some people, this would be super boring but for me, it’s just what I need. 

Work, life and ambiguous loss are waiting for me so my only goal is to return home more rested and revitalised than when I left.   

Even with the ripple effect on my finances, I am consciously “choosing me” right now. Because if I don’t, not only will I suffer in the long run but so will those who depend on me.

In my last newsletter, I talked a little about the level of “clarity” I have gained by stepping away and I look forward to gaining even more in the coming weeks.

I even think that I can envision what “creative living” could look like for life when I step back into the real world.

Friends, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day, find a way to step away, take a deep breath and give yourself some grace.

Until then,

M