Conquering The Return to Reality Blues

By: Sandra Harris Frey

Vacation. This word rings such excitement! The daily routine of life can become very monotonous unless you “shake it up” with a great trip or two throughout the year!

You begin the process by selecting the destination, the date, the accommodations, and the activities for the length of your stay. The anticipation builds as you get closer to the date of the planned trip. You begin selecting your attire and ultimately begin the packing process (not one of my favorites). There are always purchases made in advance and it’s best to make a list. Sunscreen, camera batteries, a good book, board games or cards, hair care products, a new bathing suit if you're going to the beach, and don't forget to stop at the bank! Ladies, whatever you do, do not forget to pack your makeup! It could be an ugly week without this necessity.

The vacation date finally arrives and you are on your way for some fun! Your stay is a great one, but the days seem to be in fast forward. Before you know it, you are headed on that big highway back home.

For all of you who work outside the home, the first day back to work from vacation may bring on an onslaught of cranky behavior. It’s “back to the old grind”.

Why is that we have such fun during our week of leisure, but sometimes forget to have fun year round? Each day should be filled with fun, laughter, and excitement while fulfilling the purpose at hand. I don't think that a bathing suit is appropriate attire for your work/home life (unless you are a lifeguard), but why not make each day fun and fulfilling.

Here are some tips for adjusting to life after vacation:

* Be nice to everyone.
* Choose clothing or jewelry that makes you smile when you put it on. Why wear things that do not make you smile?
* Exercise extra patience with those around you – ESPECIALLY your loved ones at home. Isn't patience supposed to be a virtue?
* Devote more time to prayer. The Lord listens to each and every prayer and always seems to give us the right answers and soothes our weary souls.

Blessings and have an awesome week!