Les Vacances

When I first began learning French a few years ago (and I’m still very much a novice, but I enjoy the challenge), I was delighted to learn that the French word for “vacation” – les vacances – is plural. I think that tells you a lot about the culture right there. (Mind you, the productivity of France is also quite strong; it’s not a matter of one or the other.) Perhaps it is a result of our Puritan roots, but plenty of folks pride themselves on not taking all the time off they have available and plenty more don’t truly “unplug” from their work while they’re away. I won’t go into all the myriad of ways in which that’s just a terrible, terrible idea – the research is clear on those points – but I also get it. I often check my email before and after work hours and it’s more common for me to pack a laptop to check in with work while I’m away than it is for me to not do that.

While America doesn’t seem to be ready to embrace mental health practices on a large-scale just yet (sigh. Even when we know it’s a Good Thing, we stubbornly hang on to “well, no one in my family ever went to therapy/took time off/called in sick/et cetera, so I don’t see why anybody ever should!”), this Diva has learned – painfully – the value of Time Off. And I know that there are times in life when it’s good to argue your point and there are times when you just smile gently and pack your bags.

All of this is to say that I’m leaving on vacation tomorrow and won’t check in for the rest of June. I hope to paint, hike, swim, stroll, laugh,  stargaze, eat delicious food, and ponder many things. It is likely to be a marvelous experience.

I expect it to be plural.

Live well, Divas, and I’ll see you in a few weeks to compare notes!