#60: Broadening My Horizons
There’s a special kind of magic that happens the moment you switch on your out-of-office reply. It’s not just an automated message—it’s a declaration. A manifesto, really. I am stepping away. I am reclaiming my time. The world can wait. I matter now.
Before visions of hammocks and fruity drinks fully take over (tempting, I know), let’s get real. Taking a break isn’t just about lounging—that’s not my style. It’s about something deeper: perspective, presence, and giving yourself the grace to breathe beyond the borders of your daily rhythm.
For me, this upcoming holiday isn’t just a getaway—it’s a get-back-to-myself. It’s a chance to swap to-do lists for wonder, deadlines for horizons, and the constant hum of responsibility for the more enticing call of curiosity.
One of the perks of this third chapter is that we get to step away—just a bit—from the world that glorifies hustle, where "busy" is worn like a badge of honor. But many of us fall into the habit of creating hyper-busy lives even in retirement. What if stepping away isn’t an escape, but an essential part of showing up fully, creatively, and joyfully when we return?
I’m leaning into that philosophy as I pack my backpack and a single carry-on for three weeks of travel (see, no checked bags, just checked expectations). I’m giving myself permission to wander—both geographically and mentally. Because when we step outside our usual scenery—whether it’s navigating cobbled streets or simply sitting still with a fresh view—we expand. We remember that life isn’t meant to be lived in a straight line or confined by routine.
Remember though—broadening your horizons doesn’t require a boarding pass or a heap of cash. Sometimes, all it takes is to say yes to a new experience, explore a different part of your town, read a book that stretches your thinking, or sit quietly and let your mind travel where your feet can’t. Curiosity doesn’t check your bank account—it invites you to see things differently.
So, as I head off for me-time, perspective shifts, and a bit of horizon chasing, I’ll leave you with this gentle nudge:
When was the last time you really took a break? Not just a weekend with laundry lurking in the background, but a true pause—a moment to refill your cup (preferably with something local and delicious)?
The world will keep spinning. Your inbox and to-do lists will survive. But your spirit? Oh, it will thank you for every ounce of breathing room you gift it.
I’ll be recycling some favorite WonderCrone blogs while I’m away—because wisdom, like a good vintage, only gets better with time. But for now, I’m off to broaden my horizons—and I hope, in whatever way feels right for you, you’ll find a moment to do the same.
See you on the other side of wonder.
