I’m officially on holiday. The last few months have a been a blur of activity but I walked out of the office yesterday knowing I didn’t have to darken it’s doors again for almost two weeks. As I did so, I didn’t perform a cartwheel or jump up in the air and click my heels in mid air like they do in the movies. I was too tired for any of that. Sleep has been evading me in recent days, for reasons I know not why.
I don’t need insomnia advice for I’m not an insomniac, I just haven’t slept very well these last few nights. It could be the heat, it could be the dogs barking over the bridge, it could be a multitude of factors, I don’t know. I’m just relieved I don’t have to get up, don those despised work clothes and endure the daily commute to and from Belfast. I need a complete detox from that section of my life.
We have several day trips and outings planned over the coming days, so expect some posts and photographs of those. This evening Fionnuala, the girls and I are going to see the new ‘Lion King’ movie, while Adam is working at a function in Belfast. Tomorrow I’m heading to Omagh to visit my mother and on Saturday we are taking Hannah up to an activity weekend on the North Coast.
There are lots of other bits & pieces planned. Adam, Rebecca and I are booked into a hydro park. I’m not quite sure what I’ve let myself into on that one as it appears to be an obstacle course on water but I’ll give it a go. If nothing else, it will give the kids a giggle at the sight of their idiotic father struggling not to drown while looking far from fetching in a wet suit. I can assure you there will be NO photographs of that event.
We have also booked tickets to watch the Ulster Rugby Squad take part in an open training session at our local rugby club. Adam will get to see his heroes up close and personal, before the Pro 14 championship starts next month and the World Cup in Japan in September. Adam steps up into 1st XV Schools Cup rugby this coming season, capped off by a tour to South Africa next June. We take our rugby very seriously in Ireland and I’m an unashamed ‘rugby dad.’
I’ll be focusing on my physical and mental health, concentrating on my family and trying to fret less about the 101 other things fluttering about my head, like psychotic bats in the darkest of attics. I’ve sensed my stress levels creeping steadily up in recent weeks so it’s time to step off the hamster wheel and let the rest of civilisation get on with whatever it is they get on with. Sometimes I wonder, but each to their own.
Given the intensity of my day job and the relentless grind of writing, publishing and promoting a book, it’s only when you step away that you realise the impact it has on body, mind and soul. I push myself hard, probably too hard, so it’s important I rest and take better care of myself and my family. Charlie the border terrier will get more walks and Fionnuala will get to see a little more of that bloke she walked down the aisle with, 16 years ago.
I’ll run, but I’m ahead of schedule in my training for the Belfast Half Marathon next month, so I’ll probably only need 1-2 longer efforts. I’ll try to eat better but what’s a holiday without the occasional bowl of honeycomb ice cream? I’ll also endeavour to get caught up on my sleep. I’ll continue to blog of course so stay tuned for more updates over the next fortnight. I hope you are all having a great summer wherever you are and whatever you’re doing.
Black Thoughts 
You are doing the right thing. If you need rest then you should. Happy weekend. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Souds a great plan for an adventurous holiday! Enjoy your holiday
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy you’re well earned time away from daily grind. I’m certain a bowl or two of your favourite ice cream will indeed help to heal the soul 😬
LikeLike
Most definitely. Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Holidays!!! I would be jelly but mine start in 23 days lol so will live vicariously through all your fun and family time until then. Not an insomniac advice just overall-I use to have really crappy sleeps where I would fall asleep and then be up and down half the night. I started taking 2 Magnesium tablets approx 1/2 hour before bed. A total of 1000 mg. It has helped me to fall asleep and stay asleep. Originally started out with 3 tables (1500 mg) but found that was a little too much. Give it a try the worst is that you still don’t sleep and that is already happening. 🙂 Enjoy the next two weeks and am at the 80% mark on the George R.R. Martin book and then it is Skelly time. I am looking forward to reading. I have briefly skimmed your reviews as am afraid to learn too much. 🙂
LikeLike
Have a wonderful holiday and we look forward to photos, particularly of the Hydro Park … oh please!
LikeLike
Get all rested up over your vacation! Can’t wait to hear how everything goes.
LikeLike
Thank you Shae. The beta reader books are being delivered tomorrow so I will post out your signed copy over the weekend. You should have it in a week or so 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay!
LikeLike
Take care of you. Best of luck in the marathon!
LikeLike
Thank you Mark.
LikeLike
So glad you’re getting a break Stephen! You’ve been right at it straight for quite sometime. Breathe in the love of your family and the accomplishment of getting your book published and breathe OUT all the bullshit that’s been accumulating. Enjoy!
LikeLike
Thank you Dwight. That’s the plan 🙂
LikeLike
Enjoy💜
LikeLike
For me when I am not sleeping, I have found a pattern that I am not listening to the truth of my being. I find myself distracted and too busy to focus on the words my spirit needs me to hear. And so when I refuse to listen to within during the day, my body and mind will keep me up at night to give me uninterrupted time alone to listen to that voice we seem to allow to be drowned out throughout the day.
As you vacation, look from releasing yourself from the rigorous nature of your daily thoughts. You are free from routine and free from having to think in those circles. Try listening to the pattern of your thoughts when you are not lost in the daily grind. Where does your mind flutter and soar to on its own? What depth is your soul looking to take you when you remove the clutter of the modern working day?
Enjoy your leisure for it is all something we need to truly experience the perfection that is possible in life. I hope for much love and light and joy in your moments.
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words. I’ll do my best to ‘switch off.’
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy holiday! You have certainly earned it.
LikeLike
Thank you sir 🙂
LikeLike
Enjoy your Break!!! Take time to do what brings you joy.
LikeLike
Thank you very much 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, make the most of your holiday. Enjoy every activity with your kids. Soon they’ll be grown up and flown the nest.
LikeLike
That’s true. They grow up so quick. Thank you
LikeLike
I hope that you are still focused on resting and getting refreshed. After working all year, it takes me a while to feel “like myself” again. After a few weeks, I usually think, “Oh yeah! I had forgotten what I’m really like!” Hehe. I hope you remember and enjoy.
LikeLike