Planning a short sojourn from all the nitty-gritty of a demanding job is another stressful activity for me. I used to spend a lot of time surfing the blue yonder searching for the best and most hip destination only to be disappointed with one thing or another. I have been doing this for so long that I got so tired and seemly five up and decided to let my nose and my heart lead the way…

I realized that having a stress free break from a hectic and sometimes nerve racking daily life simply depends on having the right attitude and the right state of mind before embarking on the journey. The destination is of very little consequence as long as the goal will be reached – to have a relaxing and revitalizing time where I can gain some energy boost. And this could happen anywhere, anytime, with anyone (and even if when I am alone).

I can only squeeze out a very short 4-day vacation for this year, yet I am sure that I can have the very best and enjoy these four days without any extra pressure or anxiety. For this short rest, I intend to stay in the city and visit all those familiar places I see everyday yet haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy. For my vacation, I am determined to savor and relish all the different sights, tastes, smells and feel this wonderful place I call home offers, which sadly, I have come to take for granted.
I will walk its streets as if it is my first time to visit; explore all the crags and crannies, all corners and bends. I will sit down and patiently listen to whatever message my home has to say (which I might have not heard during my busy days); familiarize myself once again with its distinct scent that used to tell me I am safe.

I know that for sure if I will be able to accomplish everything I have set to do, I can (re)discover things I have either forgotten or ignored because I was so busy planning my life. And once I do, I am confident that I will soon feel those comforting warmth telling me that I am home – that this is a haven I can call my own.