It’s a strange feeling.  I am too overstimulated to write a darn thing.  Well, I guess that’s not true since I am technically writing something.  But right now, in this moment, I am not sure what I can share with you about creativity or the spiritual journey.  Does this happen to you?

I have pages of notes that I have made based on my observations and interesting little insights that come to me like sneaky gnomes in the night.  And my cup runneth over with amazing, positive experiences that fill me with gratitude, joy and hope.  I just can’t bring myself to write about them.  I feel the way I do after a public speaking event or something for which I have built myself up, drummed up all my energy and then just poured it all over, under and around something magnificent.  Now I need to curl up in a ball re-charge.

And that’s what an entire week with a mere 15 minutes of down-time seems to have done to me 🙂  You see, I am a creature of habit.  I love my routine and as sure as anything, I love my quiet.  One week on a family vacation in Southern California took those two things and tossed them out the mini-van rental window!  Don’t get me wrong – it was a fabulous vacation and I actually felt a twinge of sadness when it was time to part with Aladdin (I mean, Disneyland!).  That’s rare for me – a homebody who tends to count down the nights till I get my bed back.  So, really, as far as vacations go, this one was memorable in the best way possible!  But it showed me just how much I need to spend some time with myself, in quiet, every day.

I did take my journal with me and pulled it out one morning.  I wrote in bed while the children still slept.  I think next time I’ll try to write every morning, even for a few minutes.  And perhaps I can find time for a quiet walk alone.  I must say that walking the palm-tree lined streets, and smelling the wild jasmine was a real treat!  Next time I might stop to take a picture or get down and feel the petals between my fingers.

What do you do when you’re on vacation to help you stay regulated?  Do you do anything?  Am I the only one who feels the need?!  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Have a beautiful Friday – I’m going to unplug and soak in some sunshine on my deck now!

 

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P.S. I am REALLY EXCITED to tell you that Sprout Magazine’s Issue #8, Joy, was launched this morning – and I am so pleased that my poem, I Am Joy, has found a home in it.  Editor/creator Amanda Fall was kind enough to interview me in the Community Garden section as well.  Please have a look at this gorgeous issue (and all the others) – you can find them all here.

P.P.S.  If you haven’t entered the book giveaway contest of my first publication in an anthology, there’s still time!  Contest closes at 5 pm PST.  Check out the post here.