Are
you winter-weary and in need of a revival for your spirit and your soul? Or
maybe you have a mild case of the letdown we sometimes experience after
Christmas?
So
much activity, socializing, and busyness in the month of December and then,
suddenly, not much to look forward to except cold days and lots of snow
shoveling (at least in the part of the world where I live).
In
my younger years, I loved winter and as an avid skier, welcomed lots and lots
of snow. But as a solo woman in her mid-60s, I could do without all of that
now. And yet, I still need activity and something to look forward to in any
season.
In
fact, having something to look forward to is generally regarded as one of the
keys to happiness. Improved mental health is a side effect!
The Joy of Anticipation
One
of the things that revives my spirit and fills me with joyful anticipation any
time of the year is a one-day excursion.
Budget-friendly
and priceworthy, professionally organized short trips provide opportunities for
me to learn more about my surrounding communities and visit sites that I might
not take in on my own.
John
Steinberg said, “People don’t take trips; trips take people,” and I couldn’t
agree more. Even little trips can transport us to another world, open our eyes
to new perspectives, and take us away from the mundane that lies in too much
routine.
I
am fortunate enough to live in a city with a top-rated bus touring company
which provides fantastic trips all around the world, but also offers one-day
getaways.
For
a very reasonable price, they provide transportation, a savoury hot meal, and
entrance fees to whatever we are viewing that day. The tour guides are always
knowledgeable, engaging, and even humorous.
What
better way to spend a day out than with like-minded, interesting folks (mostly
seniors but also some young people). I love to go with a close friend as it
gives us time to chat on the bus without having to concentrate on driving.
If
none of my friends is available to join me, I go by myself. I always end up
talking to the most interesting people and have made some new friends along the
way. The benefits of short bus excursions are numerous:
- Everything is planned out for
you. - No worries about fighting
traffic or finding parking. Totally relaxing! - No flight delays or lengthy
lineups at Customs. - Lots of fun!
- Sleep in your own bed at night!
Something for Everyone
The
possibilities are endless. You can take in seasonal festivals like a Cranberry Festival
or Maple Syrup Festival. Like to shop? There are trips to Outlet Malls and Home
Shows.
Enjoy
the arts? Take a trip to see a play or visit a museum or even botanical
gardens. Or how about some gambling with a trip to the casino? Some of my
favourite excursions are to lakeside resorts where a boat cruise is usually
included with lunch on board.
My
next trip will be a Mystery Tour – the destination is a surprise. It’s called a
Winter Warmup tour. I can hardly wait!
A few summers ago, I went to the Elvis Festival and watched very talented Elvis impersonators on street stages. In between, I walked around the lakeshore and had a wonderful lunch by myself at a patio café.
On
the return trip, I met a woman from my home town. We remain close friends to
this day. Don’t be afraid to go alone, because you never know who you might
meet!
It
took a while for me to get comfortable going on these little trips by myself. However,
going alone forces me to be more outgoing and initiate conversations, thereby
stepping out of my comfort zone.
And
getting out of our comfort zones can provide healthy benefits to the brain, creating
new neural pathways as the brain registers these ‘new activities’.
In addition to the joyful anticipation that short trips provide, there is the savouring and reflecting upon new memories afterwards. Photographs, even selfies, are encouraged.
Not
every day is Christmas and not every day is special. Too many ordinary days can
lead to boredom, a lack of joy, and even fatigue. So, it’s crucial to plan
activities that revive our spirits and nurture our souls.
Try
celebrating life by treating yourself to a one-day excursion. The benefits will
last longer than just a day!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What kinds of activities help you to restore your energy and revive
your spirit? What suggestions do you have for one-day excursions, especially if
there are no bus touring companies where you live? Please share your
experiences with the adventurous ladies in our community!
