Originally posted at Lotze Words
“Stop every now and then. Just stop and enjoy. Take a deep breath. Relax and take in the abundance of life.” Unknown
We’ve taken a long overdue break to visit the sea and take advantage of all the public holidays. It has been 18 months since we’ve been at the sea as a family and I’ve noticed a number of things that have resulted from a lack of downtime together. I’ve also noticed a profound change in the way people are holidaying now.
The place we stayed at 18 months ago was always fully booked. You have to get on a waiting list and only once you’ve cracked a nod (we waited 2 years) do you get to book the same week the following year. Due to economics, we didn’t go back in 2010 and were very surprised to get a call saying “we have plenty of space, come and stay with us and we’ll even give you a big discount.”
Yes, the economy has affected South Africans, but I hadn’t realized the cascading affect it has had on our behavior as a nation. People who were staying at fully catered holiday resorts changed to self catering. Self catering frequenters moved to camping, and campers have either travelled less or stayed at home.
What’s fascinating is the number of campers at Rocky Bay (where we are staying now) with no caravan. I’d guess 40% of the campsite is occupied with families using their car and a tent to get close to the sea and take some time off. And the families in log cabins have brought along whole family to occupy every bed available instead of have two people stay in a 6 sleeper. Brilliant! We’re a resilient bunch.
In the short couple of days that our family has been together at the sea I’ve noticed the reconnection happening quickly. We’re working as a team again making our meals together and cleaning up as a co-ordinated unit with each one taking a different but vital role. The family banter is back – with jokes, teasing and laughter replacing growling, scowling and huffing. There is also more of an acceptance and understanding of one another’s foibles and peculiarities. Down time together, walking on the beach, doing nothing but watching the monkey’s or crabs is as important as getting to school and work on time.
Sometimes, in fact I would hazard a guess far too often we forego downtime “because I’m too busy” but it’s a grave mistake. We need to stop, breathe and take in the beauty around us so that we can remember that life is more than deadlines, bills, pressure and traffic.
The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.
– Henry Ward Beecher
