teeny tiny mini getaways
I have recently taken some teeny, tiny, mini getaways that have been so good for my heart and soul.
From where I live in Virginia, I can easily drive up to around two hours to see my closest relatives: one hour to see one of my brothers and his family, an hour and a half (ish, depending on traffic) to see my parents, two hours to see my other brother and his family, and two and half hours (again, ish) to see my sister and her family. Since none of my husband’s family lives within a long drive or flight from us, I know I’m lucky to see my family so much.
Three of my four niblings1 are in middle and high school and busy with sports and other extracurricular activities.2 Luckily, this doting aunt has a flexible work schedule and can zip across the state for swim meets, wrestling, lacrosse, field hockey, plays, concerts, and (coming very soon) a high school graduation.
How does this tie into travel?
It turns out that a quick day trip can be an effective reset for my brain in the same way an overnight or a long weekend are.
For example: last week I popped up to northern Virginia (two hours each way) to spend eight hours watching my eldest nephew wrestle in a regional tournament.3 Between being focused on driving and then watching sports excellence, I had no time or mental bandwidth to ponder the state of the US and the world. Seriously, ZERO minutes thinking about {{{everything}}}.
Granted, I was mentally and physically exhausted from driving, sitting on hard gymnasium bleachers, cheering on athletes, and more driving. I don’t know about the rest of you, but any respite from the news and my worries is greatly welcomed. I arrived back home tired but on such an emotional high.
So yeah, whether it’s for four, eight, or twelve hours, I will take that mental vacation from my usual routines and worrying about fascism.
nieces and nephews
the youngest nibling is a toddler
He’s going to the State championships, thank you very much.
I hear you! Dealing with DC traffic is absolutely worth holding new grandbaby, even if for only an hour visit, the 5 hour drive up to NJ to help a niece pack, the windshield time with my adult daughter, the laughter shared as we dismantle bookcases, steering clear of any discussion of the “state of the union”, simply enjoying the time with loved ones… I have to say, the shared laughter is food to my soul!
I do so look forward to being able to take some mini getaways again. I've lived vicariously! Good reminders to focus of the little moments of glee.