A Trip and an Attitude Adjustment

 Have you ever been overwhelmed by worries and negative thoughts? Mad at the world? Sometimes you just need an attitude adjustment…

October was a stressful month for so many. The devastation from Hurricane Matthew that some had to endure was unfathomable. Although I was fortunate to have had very little damage from the hurricane, this October brought personal storms of it’s own. Last October was especially difficult for me as it marked the beginning of the end of my marriage. Despite my efforts to be positive about the anniversary of that date, I’d let the negative feelings overwhelm me. I was so over October and I desperately needed a change in attitude.

When Eric asked me to accompany him to a conference, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I needed to get away from the stress. We needed time together, away from our daily obligations, to reconnect.

The further we got from home, the more relaxed I began to feel. Although I’ve stayed at the Onmi Grove Park Inn before, the first view of the hotel was as breathtaking as ever. The sky was the most beautiful shade of blue and the temperature was unseasonable warm. There’s nothing like the fresh mountain air!

We checked into our room and immediately headed for the spa. As the masseuse worked on my tense muscles in the quiet of the room, I was suddenly overcome by such a feeling of gratefulness for everything in my life. For the first time in a very long time, I felt nothing but contentment.

The spa was the perfect start to our weekend. I spent the rest of our vacation truly enjoying every experience without the distraction of my worries and fears. That, in turn, helped us reconnect and enjoy that time that we spent as a couple. When Eric wasn’t in seminars, we went for walks and sipped champagne while enjoying the glorious view of the fall-colored mountains.

Every morning, I drank my coffee in the quiet of the morning while watching the golfers from our room. I finally had time to catch up on my reading. I rarely ever make the time to read at home.

I made new friends and visited with those I’d met at the summer conference. At night, we explored Downtown Asheville and drank wine by the amazing fireplaces at the hotel.

I’m so grateful for the weekend get-a-way and for the time that we were able to spend together.  However, I realized that I didn’t have to drive for hours to do the things I really enjoyed.  I simply have to make time for those important things.  So, the next time I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I’ll give myself a time-out to count my blessings and to enjoy life. We all need an attitude adjustment once in a while.