Pause, refresh and take a break. Does that idea sound like heaven to you? Do you ever have days when you feel the desire to press the pause button? Creating the chance to stop and have a break is a small luxury in a busy world. The value of this really hit home to me as I travelled back from a weekend away with two of my oldest friends.
It was the first time we’d been away together in over 8 years! The last time was when I was pregnant with my second child, which is honestly way too long. We usually manage to meet up fairly regularly. But as life and commitments have increased over recent years, we all agree, it’s not really enough. That aside, just 24 hours without our kids and significant others was a revelation.
We had time to walk by the river, talk, and drink coffee, eat all of the food, drink G&Ts and a glass or two of wine. There was time to really laugh and remember that our lives have been entwined for nearly 35 years. Most importantly we actually had time to reconnect, and talk properly about life’s changes and challenges without being interrupted.
On the way home I realised we (as in adult people in general) are facing a conundrum. How can we find ways to pause and refresh, pressing the pause button, more frequently? Realistically, can we do this when the realities of modern life often prevent us from ducking out on our domestic (and professional) responsibilities? I’m not sure what the answer is. I’m also fairly certain it won’t be a ‘one size fits all’ solution. Of one thing I am sure, is that I have resolved to stay more connected with those who truly matter.
Friendship and family are values that form the foundation of Grape and Nectar. They are part of our ‘why’ and sit firmly within the compass that governs our decision making on a day-to-day basis. Friends that transcend life (where time apart seems to melt away as soon as you see each other) are that ones that weave into the lives of those you love and who influence the people your children will become. They are part of your wider family and nurturing that bond is something that should be essential. They are also the perfect reason to take time to pause, refresh and take a break.