The best Spring Break of my life
I just had the best Spring Break of my life. I’ve had some pretty good Spring Breaks, too, once in college, I was lucky enough to go on a cruise, and over the years, there have been various trips to the beach, and so on… However, this year was definitely my favorite Spring Break to date.
For one thing, it was the first Spring Break that I, as an adult, have had in a long time. I’m usually working, just like everyone else. However, for the first time since my son has been in school, I was able to take the week off and spend it with him. The result of that was truly magical. What made it so special was what we didn’t do, versus what we did do.
We love the theme parks. We love the beach. We love living in a part of Florida that gives us easy access to all of those things. However, during Spring Break, due to weather (it was cold!) and crowds, we stayed away from both of these places.
Instead, we just enjoyed each other’s company. We did puzzles. We ate doughnuts. We rode our bikes in the park. We played basketball. We baked a cake. We spent time with family and met some friends for some bowling. We went out to lunch and got smoothies. Much of what we did was free or inexpensive and simple.
During the course of the week, I noticed that some of my son’s little habits that usually get on my nerves, weren’t bothering me. In fact, I found myself laughing along with his antics. I wasn’t getting impatient nearly as fast, or redirecting him or asking him to “hurry up”. It was heavenly to not feel rushed to get homework and chores done. When we got tired, we vegged out by watching movies and playing with our ever growing collection of matchbox cars. I noticed we were having longer and more personal conversations with each other. It felt like we were really having fun, like two buddies. And because I was more present (and rested!), I felt like I was a better mom.
This past week was a great reminder to me of a few things:
- I don’t always have to spend money to enjoy life.
- Slow down! There’s no need to rush when you don’t have to.
- Kids don’t always need or want “stuff”. Much of the time, they just want “us”.
