One of my favorite places in the world is the destination spa Rancho La Puerta. It’s hands down the best place to rest, relax, recharge. I chose to spend my 50th birthday there last year: hiking; eating organic, vegetarian meals; and taking amazing fitness classes amid like-minded people (shout out to my birthday pal, Laura!).
At the end of a week’s stay, there’s always a lecture titled something like, “Taking the Ranch home.” And after each stay (I’ve now been three times), I vow to cut back on eating processed crap and take time for meditation and simply try to slow down at home, and it usually lasts about a week before I’m back into my harried life of working, volunteering, mothering, wife-ing, etc. etc. — and all best-laid plans get thrown out the window.
Well, I’m revisiting bringing some of that spa life home. Starting with enjoying a cup of coffee — with a sprinkle of cinnamon! — at a patio table, just like I did each morning during my first stay at the Ranch back in 2008. My friend Kristina and I would linger poolside for breakfast and just taking in the chirping birds, desert flower scents, and mountain views, while setting our intentions for the day.
I know some of my friends do this all the time. Meditate in the morning. Or journal. Or do something for themselves to set the tone for their waking hours. It’s pretty foreign to me, but I figured I’d give it a whirl.
I spent the first 6 weeks of quarantine a hot mess, but now that we’re — for better or worse — easing into a teeny bit of normalcy again (though, wearing masks to the grocery store may never feel normal), I feel like I can take a deep breath. And the house is quiet for a few days, with my adult kids off on a road trip of their own, I figured it’s as good a time as any to regroup.
I’m thinking about how I want the rest of the summer to look — I’ve got two more months until husband Quent and I are empty nesters (if campuses indeed open up as planned) — as well as beyond August. We’ve decided to stay put here at home in Colorado, save perhaps, for some weekend getaways through Labor Day, then considering a trip East to see family (and some of Kaylin’s volleyball games at college, we hope). Then after that….. who knows.
With COVID-19 cases spiking again in various parts of our country, and the world, as much as I’d love to put money down on a vacation rental for a couple months in Mexico this fall, that’s not going to happen right now. But it’s not stopping me from spending hours upon hours searching vacation rental websites or exploring vacation club options. (Anyone know anyone who’s got an Inspirato pass?)
So, making do here at home, dreaming of travel to come, appreciating all I have here in my own backyard, literally and figuratively. And thinking lots about all of my other travel-minded friends who I know are also itching to see the world again, and wondering how you, too, are handling this pause in your hop-on-a-plane-and-go lives. Would love to hear from you!
P.S. It’s kind of the best thing in the world when your adult kids send you photos from their road trip: A) they like each other and B) I’m happy they appreciate natural wonders like Horseshoe Bend!
I’ve spent more time in my own backyard than I ever thought possible and am feeling so appreciative for friendly neighbors to chat with over the fence. Realizing that while I miss our big summer road trips, this season spent in my own town is pretty sweet also. I love the idea of bringing that spa-like sense of rejuvenation to our lives at home, too. Might have to sprinkle some cinnamon in my coffee tomorrow.