A Very Simple Mini-Retirement
Let me warn you: This is going to sound way too simple to actually be worthwhile. But hear me out. By the end of this article, I’ll bet you’ll see the point.
I’m advocating that you take a very simple mini-retirement. So simple, that you are going to laugh at me, but I’m serious. Think about your next one week of vacation.
Schedule it for when work is slowest and there will be no reason for anyone to call you for advice.
Get things like the car servicing and library book returns done before hand.
Explain to your family that they should not schedule anything for that week. Ideally you should all have it off together.
Think of three things you really want to do (not things you think you should do) and put them on a list.
Now you’re ready…
To stay at home.
That’s right. Stay. At. Home.
Think about it. You don’t have to drive anywhere. You don’t have to pay for lodging. You don’t have to worry about reservations. You get to spend the week at home.
There’s only one trick to enjoying this “mini-retirement”. One trick to make this one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating vacations you’ve ever had. Master this, and you will have mastered the art of relaxing at home.
The trick is: Don’t do anything you don’t want to do.
If you want to clean house because it makes you feel good - great! but if you are doing because of what the neighbors will say if you don’t, then you have missed the boat on your simple vacation.
Hang out at home. Go to local sightseeing spots that you have never been to. Take a walk with your kids. Sleep late in your own bed with your spouse. (After staying up all night with your spouse…)
If you have done your planning, then all the ‘required” things will be done before hand, and all you will have to do is enjoy your home and your family. You’ll find out what you really like, as well as what drives you crazy about your house. You’ll have a chance to reacquaint yourself with your friends and family, and with the town you live in.
If you have been thinking about moving or making any big changes, this “mini-retirement” will likely solidify things for you. By the end of it, you will have a much better picture of what, exactly, you value in your lifestyle, as well as what, exactly, you want to change.
It can be a very enlightening experience.