Image by Stuart McKenna via Flickr

We all need time away, to reflect, to restore…to rest. Why is it that when the opportunity presents itself we either obsess about it or push it out of our minds?

My husband and I have been planning a long weekend away for several months to celebrate our anniversary (and a bit of my birthday too since they are 5 days apart.) He missed both occasions last year (deployed to Afghanistan.)But for most of that time I stubbornly refused to research what activities we might wish to do, where we might like to eat, what I would need to bring and the arrangements that needed to be made (dogs, kids, etc.).

Why?

Perhaps it was because it was still in the future and I didn’t want to get excited too early. Perhaps it was too stressful thinking about arrangements and choices. Here’s another confession…I really hate making decisions…big or small…I hate them all. (We’ll dissect that another time.)

The truth.

I think that I was too darn busy and this was just one more item to add to my already burgeoning to-do list. How many of you feel that same way? C’mon be honest.

Planning your vacation turns out to be so stressful that you end up not enjoying it.

Thinking about upcoming celebrations puts you over the edge; gifts, food, invitations, shopping, too much to think about!– birthday parties, entertaining, Christmas…(Don’t even go there, I’m getting hives.)

You have a long weekend coming up so in preparation you work 10 hour days to get everything done and you’re too exhausted to enjoy your time away.

Or while you’re on your break away, you can’t stop thinking about everything you need to do at work, at home, when you get back and worse you’re annoyed by your inability to relax. (Wait…Maybe that’s just me?)

So, what can we do? How do we fix this?

I really don’t have the answer to this one. But here’s what I’m going to try:

I’m going to read some of my old posts on the importance of recharging, refueling, rest and relaxation…and try to take some of my own advice.

I’m going to remind myself that I am lucky to have a husband and partner that I truly enjoy spending time with and further that he and our relationship deserves my time and attention (more of taking my own coaching advice.)

I am going to take a deep breath and unplug… totally. I sense a bit of anxiety just writing that…must be social connection & technology withdrawal anticipation(might have to toss in a Facebook or Twitter mobile pic upload.) (I really must listen to my own coaching more often!)

Wish me luck! And if you have any advice to toss my way…please…feel free.