Mind Rest - Do we need it?

When was the last time you took a vacation and didn't take your business or kids with you? That's not meant to be derogatory. After all, 98% of my trips have been with my husband and children. I love those trips! But let's face it, those don't usually allow for much parent rest.

It's been a long time since my husband and I went on a vacation. And what we "thought" were vacations were really just little 2 – 3 day jaunts away that didn't give us much mind rest or down time. We spent quite a bit of time driving or walking around which was nice, but I'll say it again not enough mind rest. By the time you get to where you're going and settle in or get into any type of routine, it's time to leave for home.

We recently went on a "real" vacation with no business plans; only rest and relaxation were on our minds. We made the plans on a Wednesday and flew out on Sunday. It was our first flight over the ocean too. We didn't think too hard and long or contemplate not spending the money. We just did it! And during that week in Maui, I realized I finally let down. My mind and body had been able to calm down and rest. I challenged myself by doing things I feared. Can you say Scuba Diving? After coming home I realized that I took my first true blue "vacation"! I had mind rest! It was truly amazing and such a "freeing" experience!

Now that my husband and I have had our vacation, it's time to plan with the kids. While in Maui, we kept thinking of the things that we thought the kids would like to do. One thing lead to another and I started daydreaming back to the phone calls I receive from women all over the world with the same issues. One of the common themes was the rushing and no time for building memories. Oh there are some nice trips here and there or some family gatherings. But most of the time those are exhausting because of the work involved.

I have a friend with many children and a huge extended family. She really has it down for vacations and short trips with the family. Everyone starts packing as a family on one Saturday so they are ready to leave either the next Friday after school or early the next Saturday morning. Her extended family members all have tasks to do ahead of time. Some bring craft items, some bring extra snacks, some bring the supplies for crafts and such, like extra trash bags, boxes to put the crafts in, etc. When they all arrive, they have a reunion time of chatting and eating. Next the women do their thing and organize the games, crafts, and other activities for the rest of the trip. This way each woman only has one thing they are in charge of and they get to enjoy the rest of the activities. Also, the dads take the kids out for one of the days and at night the moms get to have time alone together as well. By planning ahead of time, they assure their down time and mind rest.

Remember the daydreaming you used to do as a child? I was a real daydreamer. I was able to melt into a book and not hear another soul talking or moving around me. When did I lose that? How many of you can still daydream? It was such a different feeling to have this down time that when I came home and went back to work, I was able to think clearly and finish some tasks I could not finish before. My husband and I felt like we went on a second honeymoon. And I daydreamed.

Realizations came from this. Allowing finances, the kid' s school and sports, business, or other people to keep us from doing what was best for us is not how we want to live our lives. So we made some plans for our next getaway with our teenagers. Maui is definitely a place for the older kids to have a great time. Now it's time to budget for it.

Building memories that last a lifetime is important. How you go about building those memories is also important. We need to teach our children "now" to set up a life of living! Teach them about setting up a vacation fund and planning ahead. As you get ready for a vacation, talk to your children about the importance of mind rest and down time. After all, kids learn by example. If we deprive ourselves of vacations as they grow up and they see us come home exhausted, they will learn by example and not learn how to relax and enjoy. A study was done years ago about what kids want most from their parents. The top answer was for their parents to be less stressed. Make your vacation list and plan ahead.

So do you need mind rest? I say, "YES, most definitely!" What will it do for you? It will allow you to be the person you were meant to be. It will allow you to try new things and clear your head so you function better at home and work. And most of all, it will give you memories to last a lifetime.

Blessings and Peace,
"Susie"

Copyright © 2005 – 2009 Susie Glennan = The Busy Woman, Inc.

Bio: Susie Glennan is the President of The Busy Woman, Inc. - DBA: The Busy Woman's Daily Planner®. She has been featured in Smart Money Magazine, The Washington Post, and others. Her products have been featured in Real Simple and Parenting Magazines, CBS Early Show, San Antonio Living Show and many more!

Susie has been happily married since 1982. She is mom to 3, Homeschool Teacher, Toastmaster, Speaker and is Author of numerous articles that have been published in magazines, across the web and at www.thebusywoman.com