We are going away in less than 6 weeks. Over the next few days, we need to book our flights, and make hotel reservations. After spending about 2 hrs straight, reading hotel reviews on Trip Advisor yesterday, my mind felt scrambled. I love reading reviews, taking virtual tours, and doing research on-line, but when I noticed that I was feeling tense, and a little voice was whispering, “All of the good places will be gone if you don’t hurry”, I stopped.
I know that the Universe does not work this way. I used to make decisions out of fear of losing the best deals, or the ideal place, but no more. Every time I’ve made any decision in a panic (from fear of loss), it has not been good. I am such an action-oriented person, that my biggest challenge sometimes is to back off; to act when I feel inspired, not out of frustration, fear or desperation.
“Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it“. Soren Kierkegaard
Mary Muncil ♡ Spiritual Counseling 
Your trip looks like it will be marvelous, Mary!!!! Add me to the list of WFF’ers who are so excited for you and Jack and your boys!
As a formerly frequent traveler, please let me assure you that there is *almost always* some little gem of a hotel awaiting the person who is willing to look for it.
And yes, the challenge of being an action oriented person is to “don’t just do something, sit there”. Your point about acting out of fear of loss is so true.
Oh my goodness, just where I am at right now. I usually do all the booking for my trips home to Cornwall (UK) myself. I am going with a tour of 13 knitters & spinners to Shetland & Cornwall in May. I am afraid I am driving the travel agent crazy by e-mail! Must relax and trust her……
Shelagh, 13 knitters and spinners! Sounds like a delightful group! What happy energy! Have a wonderful time!
Your upcoming trip sounds wonderful, Mary! A bible verse popped into my head as I was reading your post today; “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”. Your perfect place to stay will be there at just the right moment. Happy thoughts coming your way.
Good morning, WFF friends! Mary, when I read this post, this song popped into my head … I especially like the line “Life, I love you” . . .
(I hope this posts okay – I am technologically challenged!!)
Really cute, Laurie G! Thanks!
This was a kick, Laurie G.! Left me singing it all over the house. Nice job….
I was singing this song to myself this afternoon after I was sure someone was about to rear-end my car in his/her haste! Slowing down…Taking a deep breath…What’s the rush anyway? Thanks for the reminders!
Hasty work seems to be required in today’s world. And of course men are the ones doing this most of the time. And we don’t live as long as the women. I wonder why?!!
Your trip sounds wonderful Mary. Trip advisor can be exhausting to read, everyone has a different take… what’s good for the goose isn’t so good for the gander, if you get my point. Laurie G’s post is perfect….keep it playing! xo
“Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it”. Soren Kierkegaard”
And why am I smiling, Mary…lol. How true that is. For some reason, after spending time on the internet looking at all my options, I get uptight too. Maybe it’s being overwhelmed with too many choices and too much information. It’s wonderful that you as a family are going away on a holiday. Parents are not always included these days. You asked; your children responded in a positive and receptive way. It gives a warm feeling all round.
SandyP in Canada
The quote reminds me of T.S. Elliot’s line, “We had the experience but missed the meaning.” Mary, your trip sounds wonderful, and I’m relieved to learn that others share the same pre-trip anxiety that I often do (and yet I would say that I love to travel). You have such a gift for touching that spot of doubt or questioning that exists in me/us/women — that moment before you decide to dive off the board or turn around and go back down the ladder — and use it as a locus of growth, both personal and spiritual.
A trip with your family, and one that everyone is looking forward to! How blessed a happening is THAT. Let the good energy flow into making the plans. Let it carry you to the perfect spot in its own time. Just relax into it…and there it will be!
I think this trip will be one of the best in your life. Enjoy, and Godspeed.
Hi Mary….This reminds me of the time I got so tensed-up about getting tickets for the Dalai Lama (which didn’t happen). An empathetic smile came across my mind this morning when I read your post, as I too learned the lesson of SLOW and STEADY with that experience. I am sure there is already in place a divine trip-plan for this most wonderful experience you will be having. Thanks for reminding all of us that deep breathes and following the path of trust always leads to what is perfect for all concerned!
When I don’t use Trip Advisor I’m very sorry, and end up in some out of the way hotel. Happy planning!
What wonderful comments from everyone this morning! I clicked on Mary’s picture hoping it would enlarge, and sure enough it did! And Mary, you captioned it “What I have in mind” – some of the comments today could be added to that caption under the shimmering blue waters: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”, or, “Let the good energy flow into making the plans. Let it carry you to the perfect spot in its own time. Just relax into it and there it will be” (lovely, Suzanne!) Those gentle waters await you. They ebb and flow in their own perfect time. See yourself keeping that same steady rhythm of the quiet waters Mary, and you will arrive in synchronicity with all the goodness that waits to bless you all!
The internet is so great for researching places, and for getting reviews and comments (I’m in the process of replacing our carpet and using the internet this way). But you know a decade ago, we didn’t use this tool so constantly, and in some ways it can spoil the surprise of seeing something for the first time. I’ve even checked out menus of a restaurant we’ve been invited too, but wished I hadn’t – it takes away the fun sometimes. Just a thought. . .
OK, I’ll admit it. I’m struggling with the sin of envy!
[Sally, you have good reason to envy!]
I have friends who visit this stretch of the “Mexican Riviera” every year for many years running. While I agree the internet can overwhelm us at times with too much information, it’s a great tool for inspiring the imagination.
And Mary, not to muddy the waters any further, but just north of Tulum, is Isla Mujeres (isle of women).The island served as the sanctuary for the goddess Ixchel, the Mayan Goddess of fertility, reason, medicine, happiness and the moon.
Sure sounds like someone we know!! So no need for tension or stress—you are in ancient, good hands; just waiting to welcome you and your family.
LOVE this, cheryl b! 🙂
Checking back in this afternoon, and finding myself smiling at all the positive energy flowing here today. Love you all!
“Backing off” is an action…and often a wise one. I think I have been most anxious to ‘book’ something when we are traveling with friends or if it is a very special occasion…the desire to have the perfect place. But as long as the hotel is clean, I’ve come to appreciate that the true joy and pleasure comes from being with those we love, sharing the experience (good or bad!), creating wonderful memories to share and to last a lifetime. I just know you will find the perfect spot for you and your family. Enjoy the anticipation! Vaya con Dios.
This is such a “soothing” comment to me Kathye! I love the idea of “sharing the experience (good or bad!)”…thank you!
Your last two posts ring so true, Mary. I always enjoy reading your thoughts and adventures. The upcoming trip is going to be grand. Love, Sue
Once when I went back to magnificent Kauai after a number of years, at first I was thinking of the next haunt when I arrived at a first, on thru the vacation days. Luckily I caught myself and said, “Be Here Now” —and everything calmed down and whatever we saw and did was perfect. I’ve tried to remember that for any event and it is a great tool, imho.