I jumped in the pool with the kids!

When we travel, I like to read on the plane or at night after everyone has finally crashed after a full day in the sun. Yet, sitting by the pool with a good book is my favorite. The kids are occupied, jumping and splashing. They are giggling and yelling “Marco Polo” with the new friends they have met at the hotel. Ah, my moment to relax. I call this my “Tranquility Moment.” Tranquility is a state of no distress. Between the planning of the vacation, actually getting to our destination and overcoming all of the typical travel hiccups, there does not seem to be any tranquility or serenity. So, I have trained myself to look for those unique, cherished moments of peace and joy. I want to feel calm, relaxed and able to unwind.

I want to take a long deep breath and take in the beautiful scenery. We have arrived on vacation. We are so blessed to be here together. We have escaped the stress of home. We are ready to make great memories. 

As I sat reading my book in peaceful solitude in my beach chair, I looked up and saw our 2 kids in total bliss. They were in a belly laugh about the other one's belly flop! It was so precious. I had this urge, this clarity - jump in the pool. Join them. Don’t retreat from them. Splash with them! They were so surprised to see me put down my beloved book to jump right into the pool! “Mom, play with us!” they shrieked.

How had my age, my body, my attitude shifted to wanting to only sit and have quiet while they played? Was I really that burned out? I realized that I felt that fatigued. My anxiety had been high leading up to the trip, wanting everything to go smoothly. My worry about the weather, packing the right things and getting everywhere on time had taken its toll on me. My mind and body needed to just sit and rest. I could see that I needed both - to rest and to play. 

As I swam across the pool, the kids and I came up with a fun game with the beach ball. Then, my son and I had a swimming race. He didn’t know I could swim well. He was so impressed. I loved showing him my playful side. I had grown up with a pool and loved being in the water. I had forgotten how much fun I could have swimming. The fun was relaxing me, as well. I also knew that we were making memories and that warmed my heart. 

I felt so blessed that we were together on this trip.

At bedtime, all they could talk about was mom jumping in the water! Never be too tired or burned out to surprise your kids. Letting loose and playing like a child was one of the best memories of that day. Each day, Carpe Diem or Seize the Day. Put down the book and jump in!

Upcoming book in 2022 by Kathryn Gardner ~ Find Tranquility on Your Family Trip: Rest, Recharge and Connect on Your Family Trip. Plus 100 Christian Family Travel Activities

So glad you are on this journey with me to go from stressed to refreshed! Find your tranquility today! 

Be well and God bless,

Coach Kathy

Kathryn Gardner, mom of 2, police wife, and Therapist specializing in the wellness of moms & Certified Health Coach moved with her family to Tampa, FL to be near the ocean and explore the health benefits of nature. Her passion is helping stressed moms find tranquility! Check out TranquilityMoms.com for the latest blog post and YouTube video. She posts encouraging messages on Instagram and Facebook.

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