I mentioned last time that we traveled to British Columbia to visit our daughter and bring our granddaughter back to Saskatchewan with us for her summer visit. It’s a long way to travel: 1305 km / 811 miles. About 14 hours in total. We overnighted in a hotel part way there, but made it all the way in one very long day when we returned to Moose Jaw. That much time in a vehicle gives one a lot of time to think and, being a ruminator, I did a lot of it.
I was struck by the frantic pace of summer—for young families, especially, trying to fit in as many experiences as possible during the finite amount of free time available to them. Every place is crowded. Busy. Loud. People are in a hurry. Traffic is brutal. It’s hot. Kids and adults get cranky from being overstimulated. So do I.
Summer can feel like a whole lot of “too much” to me.
I prefer to stay home. I’ve known this about myself for years. I embraced staycations and always felt a tinge of guilt when asked about how I spent my time away from the office. Right around about the time I was preparing to retire from corporate life, I saw a meme that said something about wanting to craft a life that one didn’t need a vacation from. Exactly! That’s what I dreamed of for my post-career years.
I am not interested in being overstimulated by what feels to me like “too much” and no longer feel the need to justify my preference for home. I’ve done the busy summers and opt for something different now. Give me my backyard sanctuary, my woman cave, quiet music, my camera, and an ample supply of good books over the cacophony every time.
Off-season travel to see loved ones is more my style. Airline travel over driving? Yes, please. (That said, there’s something about a solitary road trip that still appeals.)
One of the gifts of growing older is the—What is it? Wisdom? Courage? Willingness?—to speak up about what you need, even when it’s contrary to the masses, and honour that part of your self that is nourished by it. I’m able to do that more and more with each passing year. No apologies.
It is so freeing when we finally understand that we are not all wired the same and that overwhelming and busy situations don’t suit everyone. Like you I greatly prefer quieter environments and travelling during off-peak times.
Oh, Linda, you’ve written a post that most accurately mirrors my own life and dreams. We must be kindred spirits.
Like you, I’m a ruminator. And spending time during a long road trip letting my thoughts wander – and wonder – is a favourite pastime. Thankfully, Rick is a ruminator too, so sometimes it’s very quiet for miles in our vehicle, and no one minds. Other times we have a good audio mystery on the go which makes other hours pass most pleasantly.
And your line about crafting a life that one didn’t need a vacation from. Exactly! In my post-career years, which are a lot quieter and softer in intenseness, I’m living my inner life dream. My sis asked me once where I wanted to go for holidays now that we could go anywhere. England was my first answer and we spent a month there back in 2016. Being at home was my second answer and it’s still my favourite answer. Although plans smaller trips to BC to see his family are always a treat. Going away is nice, and off season is the best time, to which I agree wholeheartedly.
Yes yes…I’ll take my backyard sanctuary, my study with the big window overlooking the garden, Classic FM music, my camera, and a large pile of books over the cacophony every time.
Thanks for a wonderful post!