We just ordered a screen for our van. It’s one of those quick-to-install screens that attaches to the van by magnets and features magnets down the middle for easy opening and closing of the screen. The impetus for this purchase was my getting up in the middle of the night while camping and opening and closing the door. This should allow for a quieter exit while keeping the bugs where they belong.

Inside the box for the screen was a key chain in the shape of a van that said, “Live a Life You Don’t Need Holidays From.” I instantly thought ‘Yes!’ It’s not preaching early retirement or telling you to seek out a job that gives your life meaning. It’s simply saying live a life where every day is enjoyable. Design a life where you aren’t just looking forward to the weekend, a vacation, or a holiday. A life that doesn’t need to be escaped from, but that instead is embraced. Each day when you wake up, you’re excited for what the day will bring.

All too often, we are living in search of a life that will be found somewhere in the future. We have our goals we are trying to reach, some financial number we need to hit, or a vision in our mind of some far-off day in the future where we will do everything we have always wanted. I’m as guilty of this as anyone, and I’m not saying don’t have goals, or work towards things you will enjoy in the future, but do it in accordance with how you are living now. Find a way to make your goals for the future align with a life you can enjoy now. I, for one, have changed my mindset on this and am focused on living a life I don’t need holidays from, and when I make decisions, that is top of mind.

We are living right now, so let’s enjoy right now. Take care of your mind and body. Surround yourself with great people. Be kind to people. Do things you enjoy doing. I think it’s all a lot simpler than we tend to make it. Thank you to Living in a Bubble for the inspiration and the screen. I think the screen will help my family avoid needing a holiday from me.