2017, The year of travel
Because 2016 was a deeply challenging year for me, I set out to travel as much as possible in 2017. We started the year with a trip to Disney. Then we went on two different trips to Austin. Next was a solo trip to Florida to visit my grandparents; after that, we traveled to Galveston. Then, I hosted my sister’s bridal shower in Baltimore in June, we went to Seattle in July, and then Baltimore again in August for my sister’s wedding. We hosted three different groups of house guests during the first eight months of the year too!
All this travel (and hosting) was so good for my soul. I was able to physically and mentally escape from feeling miserable at home in Gainesville. Traveling allowed me to spend time with people I love in places I love (or grew to love). Riley and I made great new memories, took a thousand photos, and ate lots of yummy food.
But this fall, we are staying at home.
Slowing down this fall
In early September, I realized that I had to slow down or I was going to have an adult meltdown. I’m not the kind of person (and never will be) who can throw a few things in a suitcase, pop away for the weekend, return home, and jump back into day-to-day life. I prepare for trips for weeks in advance, pack deliberately over time, become exhausted when I’m away (happy, but exhausted), and take at least a week to settle back in once I’m home. Basically: travel takes a lot out of me.
Sitting in bed one night shortly after returning home from my sister’s wedding in late August, Riley and I were chatting about all of this. “I’m realizing how occupied my brain has been for the past eight months. It feels like I’m always planning for a trip, packing for a trip, on a trip, or unpacking from a trip. I’m worn out,” I admitted. Riley said he felt the exact same way. Both of us needed a season of rest, so we decided to stay at home this fall.
Within a week of making that decision, we had three separate invitations to travel this fall! All three sounded like a blast. But knowing that no one will guard our time for us, we guarded our own time. We declined all three invites, which were graciously received.
Two months in, two to go
We have now been at home, not traveling, with almost nothing on the calendar since September 1st. The past almost-two months have been fantastic. We have made delicious meals, taken walks, nested at home, spent hours doing nothing, hosted new friends for dinner, read books, watched movies, and generally enjoyed unscheduled time together.
Throughout the week, we work hard during the day, but can unwind at night without an upcoming trip taking up mental space. Most Friday nights we stay in or do something locally. On Saturdays, we rarely have plans, so we piddle around the house, take a long drive, go grocery shopping, or meet up with friends. Sunday mornings are for church, Sunday evenings are for big bowls of soup with fresh bread.
If this all sounds too good to be true, I agree. I remark daily how thankful I am for these days at home. They have been so nourishing. Our next trip is to Baltimore for Christmas with my side of the family, which we both greatly anticipate. (Crossing our fingers for snow while we’re there!) Until then, we’re enjoying this slow pace.
You too can slow down
I am wholly in the “say no to the good things so you can say yes to the great things” camp. For the first part of this year, traveling was the great thing. Now, it’s rest. Seasons change, and so must we. I will be forever thankful for the professional mentor who told me to guard my time with my life. Those words were spoken four years ago, but they will forever be engrained in my heart.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: the world will never tell you when enough’s enough. Well-meaning people will always want more from you–more time, more hours, more energy, more, more, more. It’s up to you and me to draw the line and set the boundary. Life doesn’t have to be lived at a breakneck pace! There’s a time for fast-paced living, but then, there’s also a time for the slow.
If you find yourself weary and worn out, I encourage you to see what you can do to schedule a season of rest. What can you do to create a full life, not a busy one? We all need time to breathe, reflect, and rest. After all, as Ann Voskamp says, life is not an emergency.
// Have you ever carved out a season of rest after a season of doing? What does the rest of 2017 look like for you?
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I have never related to something more! My 2016, and maybe 2015, was way too busy. It was a conscience effort to slow down, cut back and keep it simple. Best thing I have ever done! A season of rest means you get to harvest the benefits later-and it’s incredibly satisfying! We have been doing more things lately, but i’m still fiercely protective of my weekends and the weekend away is now rare, when before it was the weekend at home that was the rare thing.
Anyway, love this!
“A season of rest means you get to harvest the benefits later…” YES! Love that perspective. Thanks so much for reading! XO
Oh, goodness! This speaks straight to my heart, Blair! As a mom of two teens who are quite active, our family is found running all over the place quite often. However, we have specifically set Sundays as our family time. We go to church, and we do not accept invitations or anything after that. It is our family time-the only time we can guarantee being together. Many people have gotten irritated with us and/or don’t understand why we wouldn’t want to do other things. It’s not that we don’t WANT to, it’s just that we know we need our family time and that is our priority. Anyway-we all need to learn to guard our time. We know what we need and it’s different for everyone. The world will suck us dry when it comes to time AND make us feel guilty for not using all of our time DOING something! There’s something about being still and focusing on what matters. Whew. I’m SO proud of you for recognizing that you needed a break and for actually taking it! ENJOY your down time AND enjoy your trip to Maryland for Christmas!!!
Hey Nikki! I love, love, love hearing from you as a mom of teens. Your Sundays sound just lovely! I’m sure your kids will implement the same boundary when they’re grown because of your great example. You inspire me! XO Thanks for reading 🙂
After trips to the Maldives, Spain, Japan, France, the U.S (soon) and multiple domestic trips away this year, I am looking forward to not having to plan anything… for a while anyway! (Aside from Christmas!) We are so fortunate to have been able to make this a bumper year of travel, but when we’re at home our weekends are pretty relaxing.. I bake all the time, we go for walks, brunch and catch a film out, or netflix at home! We intentionally keep our schedule light at home.
What you said about setting boundaries with others is so important!
“Well-meaning people will always want more from you–more time, more hours, more energy, more, more, more. It’s up to you and me to draw the line and set the boundary”
This hasn’t been easy (the handling the reaction of others part)!
You have certainly had a travel-packed year! So nice to hear about your boundaries and light schedule. Enjoy the end of the year at home! xoxo
I needed this post at this very moment. Changing from doing a double course-load to my first job has been challenging to say the least – especially because I’ve come to realise I’ve forgotten how to have “slow time”. I’ve gotten so used to not having a minute of time off, that if feels weirdly unsettling to *choose* to guard my time. I’m not sure I know how to do that anymore, so it’s nice to get the reminder that it actually is okay to do so.
I’ve been there, too…where downtime feels weird and confusing. I hope it becomes more a normal part of your day-to-day if that’s what you’re looking for. Good for you for guarding your time! Thanks for reading!
Love your post, and the intentional way you live life. You are an inspiration to me! I’m struggling figuring out what I should be doing or what I want to be doing in life. A wife of a full time collegiate minister and finding myself working it full time too but longing to pull back. Lots to think about.
Thank you for your kind words. I pray that God makes clear the next steps in your journey! xoxo
Hey Blair!
Wow, I could really relate to this post! 2017 has been a whirlwind for me too with travelling extensively and attending various social events. My husband and I promised each other that the rest of 2017 would be taken at a slower pace, enjoying each other’s company, taking long walks with our dog and just enjoying being at home. So far so good but it looks like things are about to speed up for us again, all positive things but I am almost dreading the whole packing/unpacking cycle that you talked about!
Reading your blog has inspired me to keep myself grounded and try and take everything as it comes. I’m really going to try to just live in the moment and enjoy being cosy at home and trying out some comforting recipes.
Really great read! Love your weekly and weekend Vlogs too!
Faye xo
Hi Faye! I hope you’re able to settle back into a slow pace for the duration of the year. It is so hard sometimes…it feels like life just speeds up on its own! Thanks for following along. xo 🙂
I love your intentionality. I think I need to be in a season of rest but forcing myself to take it is hard.
It is challenging. But you’ll be thankful you carved out some time to breathe!
Blair, I 100% love this post! I am a mega-introvert, and sometimes I feel embarrassed by how much traveling (and life in general!) can take it out of me. I really resonate with what you wrote about feeling “happy but exhausted” after visiting family — that has always been such a hard duality for me…I always wish that I could be JUST “happy” without the “exhausted.” But the better I know myself and the older I get, I try to just lean into what’s true about myself — if I act like I “should” have more gas in my tank and push forward, it takes even longer to recover.
Thanks for being honest about your energy levels in the world! 🙂