Inspired by les Vacances

What I would give for a vacation.

The kind where you pack up all your things and head out on an adventure or for a relaxing 3-4 weeks of pure getting away.

It’s one of the reasons that I love French culture. The French just understand that vacation or “les vacances” is imperative to a balanced life. To a life where stresses and relaxers coexists in harmony. Because we all get stressed. And we all need to relax at one point or another.

Personally, I wish that the United States would adopt more of a “life” ethic as the Europeans have, especially the French. I remember growing up, as well as the year I spent there, that the month of August would be when everyone would go out of town. To their country homes in the South or North, or out of the country. Where families would spend uninterrupted time together without the distraction of work, hectic kids schedules, or appointments.

It was pretty amazing.

I feel like the United States focuses so much on work, upward mobility, and status, that people get so burnt out that they have no time or interest to enjoy and live during their free time or vacation. In fact, since most companies are really stingy on vacation, employees end up saving their ten or so days for the holidays, when they could really use some time during the summer to rejuvenate themselves.

Someday, when I’m spending my summers in the South of France, reading a book at a café, enjoying time with my husband and probably children by then, I’ll remember when I didn’t have the privilege. Thank you for time off. Thank you for a time for resting.

May you be inspired by French vacation time.