5 take-aways from my recent holiday in Crete

1. It is so wonderful to spend time with a good friend!

I was super fortunate to reconnect with my friend Emily who I’ve know for over 20 years.  We laughed, cried, reminisced, and made new memories navigating Crete.  I felt seen, loved, and refreshed.  I am immensely thankful for this time. 

2. Breaks from the news are necessary. 

I decided not to check the news during my vacation and I have to say it was an immense relief. Though it was also extremely shocking to find out about everything I missed, I have the sense that I am ready to reengage in a more thoughtful way and am more energized than before.  

​3. Completing simple tasks is rewarding. 
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This trip reminded me how satisfying it is to explore new places and complete simple tasks. It was my first time traveling in Crete and my first time driving since January. After picking up the car and driving on some pretty challenging roads to the first hotel, I felt so proud and satisfied.  And it continued on like this - learning a new town, finding the path on our hike, getting what I needed at the grocery store, all of these small simple tasks.  I found it so satisfying to make these less nuanced decisions that have an immediate impact!

4. Movement is key.

I found a good balance of movement on this trip.  With a lot of walking and swimming every day I noticed that my body needed different input than it does in Berlin.  I have only recently discovered that I prefer semi-active holidays and this trip was a perfect combination of action and relaxation. I enjoyed listening to how and when I wanted to move and was delighted to have the skills to take care of myself.  There will be a post traveling video coming out that was inspired by this trip!

5. Gratitude.

I continue to come back to this deep sense of gratitude for this trip.  Crete is so beautiful, the people so kind, the food so fresh, and the nature so lovely that words often fail to express how amazing it was.  Plus as I said, I had the pleasure of spending time with a wonderful friend who I don't get to see so often which was a terrific joy.  On top of all this, I am overwhelmed by gratitude for having the means to take holiday, for having the opportunity to travel, for having a driving license. The list goes on and on.  

I hope you also have the chance to take a break in nature this summer!  I can highly recommend it. 
Thanks for listening!