I think I’ve invented a new word…
Holimoments. As in holiday but much shorter and more intense.
It’s a word born of frustration, but hopefully with a happy future ahead of it.
The frustration arrived while I watched everyone else packing their suitcases at the beginning of July, when I realized that a full holiday was definitely, unquestionably, regrettably going to have to be written out of my schedule this year.
In hindsight I can see there’s a positive reason behind that – lots of exciting projects to work on and a wealth of lovely new people to meet. But at the time I felt decidedly cheated!
What, no time off? No lazy days in the sunshine, the only decision being which ice cream to have? What about all those novels stacked up by my bed, begging to be read?
After a full-on sulk it dawned on me that actually it didn’t have to be such a bleak prospect after all. And that’s when holimoments made an entrance.
First I asked myself a question that I often pose to my coaching clients:
Q: If you knew that you already had what you wanted, what would that be?
A: FREEDOM!
And I realized that, being self-employed, with a bit of re-jigging, I could make that happen almost daily. It’s probably the only real benefit of running your own business! I could create a little bit of freedom every day.
And then I got organized. I made a list of all the places my hubby and I could reasonably get to around where we live and work. I stacked the novels next to my desk with a comfy chair. And I started wearing brighter colors.
All summer, whenever there’s been a lull in the day, I’ve stepped away from my computer and done whatever took my fancy, whether I had 10 minutes or a whole afternoon.
And it’s made a huge difference to my mood. So far I’ve finished 3 novels, a chapter at a time, and am halfway through Caitlin Moran’s ‘How to Build a Girl‘ (snort-out-loud hilarious). Seth and I have spent an afternoon on Scotland’s magical Holy Isle, taken a meditative 2-hour trek deep into the New Forest, climbed to the top of Glastonbury Tor, sailed a friend’s yacht and reconnected with relatives we haven’t seen for years over a half-hour cuppa.
All memory-making holimoments, spread across a (slightly damp) summer. Our only rule? No digital devices. And because we’ve been completely focused on the moment – and each other – our experiences have been fathoms deeper and richer. Added bonus: no need for months of dieting for that elusive bikini body!
So now I’m thinking of running another Unhooked Retreat – 2 days of unhurried relaxation, immersed in the peace of nature, embracing mindfulness, effective healing techniques and large helpings of nutritious home-cooked food and restful sleep. Sound good? Martha thought so:
Oh. My. God. Thank you sooo much, both of you. I’m a new woman! Who knew that 2 days could work such magic? I’m clearer than I’ve been for years. Those huge trees, the breathing, Seth’s infamous veggie curry, amazing. Didn’t miss my phone once! When can I come back? – Martha, Edinburgh
No phones, no distractions, just time to reconnect you with what’s really important. Your body – and your business – will thank you. We only work with 2 couples (or up to 4 singles prepared to share a twin room) at a time. To obtain additional information go to Unhooked Retreat.
Til the next holimoment, au revoir!
