Whimsy

We are officially back from vacation, and I have to admit: I was not looking forward to cruising. Cruises have never been one of my favorite ways to vacation.

But we had such a great time that we are already planning the next one. So, apparently, I'm a cruise person now. Who knew?

This cruise was especially meaningful because it was our first paternal family reunion in more than 20 years. Although our group was small, we had four generations in attendance. After years of trying to make it happen, we finally chose a date, stuck with the plan, and did it. I am so grateful we did.

There was something whimsical about the entire experience. I didn’t have to shop for groceries, cook, clean, or figure out what everyone was going to eat. My only real assignment was to show up, enjoy myself, and look pretty.

AMAZING.

The people were so kind; all of them. I kept thinking about how beautiful the world would be if we were as patient, friendly, and gracious in our everyday lives as we are while on vacation.

For five whole days, I barely looked at my phone. No social media. Very few texts. And absolutely no podcast work.

What podcast?

I needed that rest more than I realized. My brain needed the quiet, the freedom, and the opportunity to simply rest. I even finished a book, went parasailing with my son, spent time with family, and allowed myself to enjoy what was happening without constantly thinking about how to turn it into content.

We have been home for more than a week, and I am still a little sad about it…lol. I also came home convinced that one week of vacation a year is not enough. We work too hard. I need at least two.

Since returning, one word has stayed with me: whimsy.

At first, I thought it was simply the lightness that comes with vacation, the freedom of not having to plan, perform, or be responsible for everything. But while recording this Reflection, I realized that what I have been feeling is more than whimsy.

It's grace.

I am accepting the grace God extends to me, and I am learning to extend that grace to others. I feel lighter. More playful. More at peace. Almost as if I am seeing my life through a new lens.

And I am good.

Of course, I returned to a news cycle that is WILD. Estate planning is suddenly on everyone’s mind, and I am answering the call. More on that very soon.

We are also back in full swing with interviews and new conversations for Calm & Cultured Collective. I am developing a church-hurt series that has become much bigger than I originally imagined, so I am taking my time with it. I don’t want to create content simply for the sake of creating it. I want it to be thoughtful, respectful, and impactful.

For now, I hope you will watch or listen to this week’s Reflection and give yourself permission to rest before your body and mind have to demand it.

I hope everyone is well. I love you, Collective, and I will speak with you soon.