How To Take Your Vacation With You

“When we don’t understand how our emotions shape our thoughts and decisions, we become disembodied from our own experiences and disconnected from each other.” - Brené Brown

There are vacations where you relax. Vacations where you seek adventure. Vacations where you challenge yourself to try something new. 

After 20 days on the West Coast, I have to say, I did it all. 

Make no mistake, the trip wasn’t perfect. I should know by now that not everything goes according to plan.

But isn’t that where the magic happens?

In between the plans is space that allows for surprises - adventure and experiences you weren’t expecting. And in this case, a perfect storm of reflection, inspiration, and motivation created momentum towards manifesting my truest desires. 

But as my trip was winding down, I couldn’t help but think: does it all end here? How can I carry this momentum, this energy, with me?

How can I create more of what I want?  

Have you ever felt that way? At the end of a trip, you leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated with a firm belief that this time will be different. You tell yourself: 

When I get home, I will be less stressed. 

When I get home, I will eat healthier. 

When I get home, I will exercise more. 

We remain focused on all of the things we could do better, which ultimately leads to disappointment when we either 1) fail to keep our commitments, or 2) realize that doing the same things we were doing on vacation just isn’t the same at home. 

So, what then, can we do differently? 

Stop doing. Start being. 

Looking back on 20 days of travel, I did a ton, but I felt so much more. 

I realized that when I was most connected to my emotions, I felt aligned to my truth, my purpose, and alive in the present moment. I felt energy coursing through my body, I felt the universe at my back guiding me to where I wanted to go next. 

This deep connection to my emotions is a work in progress no doubt, but one that serves to heighten my self awareness, ultimately allowing me to create the moment I want to be experiencing. 

Our emotions inform our thoughts which ultimately create our reality. 

At first, I didn’t believe Brené Brown when, in her new book Atlas of the Heart, she claims that on average we have three emotions: happy, sad, and angry. But when challenged to describe my own emotions, I found myself coming up short. (No surprise, that book sits on my bedside table permanently these days.) 

What I’ve learned is that in order to dive deeper, you have to start by going inward. 

Ground yourself. 

I’ve found grounding practices especially helpful in times of travel and transition, but they can be equally as powerful when you’re trying to connect with your emotions. Whether it’s standing outside and allowing your bare feet to connect with the earth, taking a moment to acknowledge your surroundings by connecting to your five senses, or simply planting your feet firmly on the ground, find a grounding practice that works for you.

Be present

It’s as simple as breathing. Close your eyes, place your hands on your belly, and breathe deeply focusing on your inhale and exhale. If breath work is new to you, start lying down so you can relax and feel your belly expanding with every breath. There is power in presence. Keep breathing.

Do an emotional check-in

Ask yourself: 

How do you feel?

How do you want to feel? 

Answering these questions openly and honestly, will guide you to be in alignment with your purpose, feel momentum in manifesting your dreams, and ultimately guide you to living a whole and fulfilling life.  

This process led me to the emotions I want to carry from my trip and into my future: Creativity. Movement. Connection. The next step? Leading from this place of intuition as I take inspired action towards what I want in my life - want to discover more together? Let’s connect! 

Kirsten Schmidtke is a professional coach, creator, and lover of lake life. She works with leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs to help them up-level their careers, businesses, and lives. Are you ready to explore what’s possible for you? Contact Kirsten to start the conversation!