In this video, I’m taking a mini-break in Cape May, New Jersey– it’s a beautiful seaside town full of Victorian architecture, good food, and it feels like a fantasy.
I’m talking about the importance of surrender here, and why this is so important in life– but especially when you travel and take a vacation! For instance, I headed out to Cape May without even having a hotel room booked (there were no vacancies when I called ahead).
But I trusted that things would work out as they have so many times on similar vacations before. And yes, after several attempts my friend Kim and I finally landed a gorgeous suite overlooking the water (and believe me, this took some persistance–I’m so glad we didn’t give up too soon!)
This trip also reminded me of last year’s trip as cyclical events often do… I remembered how I had been struggling with seeing a situation clearly last year. Being “away” from the situation allowed it to simmer in the background for me, and I was able to “daydream” a solution just by relaxing and having some distance.
I realized that this process of relaxing and getting distance can be intentionally used to solve problems or see situations more clearly, much like dreamwork. So I’m calling this process “vacation work” here and I definitely used it again this year! 🙂
If you haven’t gotten away yet this summer for a mini-break, I encourage you to do *something* even if it’s very low key. If you’ve been working non-stop, just remember that you can still “accomplish” something while being on vacation. It *does* help you see things more clearly in life and in work projects.
To give you an idea of how magical and fantasy-like Cape May is, here are some pictures
Leave a comment and share where you will be doing your “vacation work” this summer and any insights you’ve gained.
Much love!
~Christina
Hi Christina:
The photographs itself shows the wonderful places you visited. I am sure it will encourage you more and give more clear visions to persons like me who are looking at you. For time-being I have not planned for any vacation due to various responsibilities on me. Still at the end of this year I will do.
Hi Nanu,
I’m so glad you enjoyed my vacation photos and that you are taking one this year as well! It really is so important and helpful to get away for a few days even if you don’t go far. It’s amazing the insights you can come back with.
~Christina
Dear Christina
Downtime is so important as well as working hard too! Spending time relaxing and surrounded by the natural beauty there in your photos looks wonderful! Glad u had a good time xxx
Thank you!
Love Cape May – I have a gal pal there right now! Doing a little disconnecting of my own this week; heading to Smith Mountain Lake in VA. Vacations are indeed good for the soul.
Hi Kimba,
Awesome that you know of Cape May–it truly is beautiful and my favorite beach on the Jersey Shore. I’m happy that you are taking a break as well– have a great time in Virginia!
~Christina
Hi Christina,
you’re so right! And it’s not by chance that I’m reading your post right now when I’m about to leave for a well-deserved break!
I really need to distance myself from my every day routine, my problems and my work. I’m taking with me my computer because I need to complete a chapter in a book I’m co-authoring and I’m totally blocked now. But I’m sure that I will find inspiration again during my holiday.
Your photographs are beautiful!
Paola
Hi Paola,
I’m so glad this post found you at just the right time! Enjoy your break –I’m sure whatever block you’re feeling right now with writing will shift once you’re in a different environment with your solid intention to write 🙂 Looking forward to hearing more about the book and your writing!
~Christine
Sometimes, taking a “day off” is the most refreshing experience. I think that this is great advice. Take a day off from your work and don’t let that mean it’s a day of house work. Sometimes we need to be told / given permission. I have taken more than one “day off” this summer and each time it has lead me back to work as a much more clearly focused and productive me. You really scored w that hotel room!! Well done!!
Hi Kate,
Such a good point–even giving yourself permission to take one day off and relax is achieving the same objective. It’s definitely not about having the money or means to travel. And I love what you said about *not* using the time to do housework (which is strangely so tempting, I know).
~Christina
Hi Christina,
Your post makes me want to surrender and take another trip! Cape May is one place I have not yet been and I’ve heard it’s beautiful. I recently took a 3 week trip and had so much fun! Thank you for sharing your “surrender” experience! I am going to share you post in the hopes that it will inspire others to surrender.
~ Tonya
Hi Tonya,
I’m so happy you found it inspiring and glad you got to take a long vacation too! Thank you for sharing it 🙂
~Christina
I always have breakthroughs when I take breaks whether it be a date with myself, a day off or trips. I believe we need the downtime to function better 🙂
Good points. I tweeted it so others can find it. I love the term “vacation work”.
Thank you for sharing, Susan! 🙂
Your post took me to a lovely place i had never heard of and memories of several time aways. Right now my time away is to my own lake cabin. Not luxurious or even a fancy resort place but still restful and time to think of goals and life.
Hi Terry,
I’m so touched you enjoyed this post and that it brought back memories. Your lake cabin sounds awesome–there’s no need for fancy! Just time to daydream and relax. Have an amazing time!
Hey Christina, I just came back from a trip up the coast as well – it was awesome and really allowed me to chill out for a while, regroup and process the year so far! Definitely something we should do more often in life. Enjoy your holiday!
Thank you Shannon–so happy you had an awesome vacation time as well!
I’m so thrilled for you Christina. I’m sure you had a little voice inside you guiding you to go for it and all would be well. Great video, view and message!
I did– had to even hold that space for my friend who was ready to head over to Wildwood for other options. Thank you!
I love Cape May and I agree. It’s so important to get away. I have problems getting my husband to take that much needed break. He has an online wheat, corn and soy free dog website so he has orders to fill. I keep saying that delaying an order for one day is okay! It’s not standard procedure. Will have to work more on him!
Julieanne Case
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Hi Julieanne,
Thank you for your comment, and glad to hear you know and love Cape May as well. I’m always happy to find someone who knows and loves it as much as I do!
That’s really cool, that your husband has a wheat/corn/soy free dog web site–I will have to check it out! If you get this message, please leave the link! Maybe he can hire someone to manage sales from time to time, so you both can have a getaway?
~Christina