In those 5 months, I've done a pretty good job of prioritizing daily vacations, but it's always around this time of year (November-December) where I find myself getting antsy, the burnout creeping back in.

I started "taking" daily vacations back in November 2020, when I was struggling to find the motivation to get out of bed and show up on a daily basis. Work, the pandemic and lack of being able to do the normal things I enjoyed added to this burnout I was experiencing. It was in reading the book Alone TIme that I learned about and decided to commit to taking these daily vacations as a way to prioritize my wellbeing.

In case you need a refresher, the loose definition of a daily vacation is any experience that brings you joy and you look forward to, reminiscent of the feeling you get when you take an actual vacation (more here).

My favorite daily vacations involve doing things that bring a smile to my face; riding my bike, watching the colors of sunrise and sunset, treating myself to coffee and a pastry from my favorite cafe, a day at the beach, wandering through city streets, spending time with people whose company I enjoy or exploring somewhere new.

I've always loved Charleston, but one of the major reasons I decided to move back was the endless opportunities to feel like I was on vacation. In the last 5 months, some of my favorite daily vacations have been the simplest. Sunset at Pitt Street Bridge. An espresso tonic and a pastry from The Harbinger. Waking up early for a sunrise walk on the beach. Riding my bike through puddles along the Battery after a storm. Wandering around neighborhoods with cobblestone streets on the peninsula. A day at the beach with a good book. Buying myself flowers from the flower truck.

I've also shared some of my daily vacations with new friends. Seeking out new locations for sunset. Making a list of restaurants to try and slowly crossing places off. Sitting next to the fire at Herd with a cocktail. Bike rides downtown with stops for adult beverages. Walking to the farmers market. Sunset yoga on a rooftop. Walks through the park and on the beach.

All of these daily vacations remind me to savor the small moments in between. It is in those small, seemingly ordinary moments, that we discover the true pleasure of life. To enjoy the day to day instead of living for the bigger moments or experiences that we typically look forward to.

I needed a reminder of that this week; to stop and savor some of the activities that have become second nature. To stop and smell the roses (or coffee, in my case). Moving forward towards the end of the year, I am going to work on recognizing these moments, and prioritize taking a daily vacation again.

Daily Vacations to schedule:

• treat myself to coffee and a pastry at a local coffee shop

• sunrise and a walk on the beach

• watch the sunset

• bike ride though downtown Charleston

• enjoying the company of friends

• cooking myself a meal I love

• try somewhere new