Sometimes when traveling we have the feeling that we have to fit everything in. Especially on shorter trips, any minute that you’re not exploring feels wasted. This mindset is very draining. Sometimes you must listen to what your body and mind need. If you need a day to recharge and take a nap, or sit at a coffee shop for hours while you play with your phone or read your book, do it. Travel is the time to be selfish. It’s time to listen to your needs. To stop doing what your boss, partner, family, or friends want, and do what you want. Sometimes the beauty of travel is found in the famous Italian quote referenced in ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, “Dolce far niente ”, which translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing.” Letting yourself “do nothing” can be the best thing you do for yourself. Sometimes the best travel days are not the day that you saw 5 different attractions and didn’t sit still, but rather the days that you slept in late, had a long lunch while people watching, walked around town and watched a nice sunset. Maybe you didn’t “do much” but I bet you felt present, happy, and connected to yourself and those with you. There is no need to feel guilt for having beautiful moments like this. In fact, finding gratitude in these moments and replacing the guilt with it is the best thing you can do for yourself. Finding peace and contentment is really all that we search for in life. Let yourself surrender. Find what you need. Slow down. And enjoy the moment you’re in.
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