You step off of the plane and with the new heat that hits your face comes a breath of relief, comes the release of the tension in your shoulders.

     The smile on your face isn't going to disappear any time soon.

      You're excited to explore some place new.

      You're excited to relax. To escape your daily responsibilities for a little while.

      You barely touch your phone because you want to appreciate the moment.

     You get up earlier than usual without batting an eye. You're up at the crack of dawn with a smile on your face.

      You feel like you're on top of the world.

     You're on vacation, of course you're happy.

     You've been waiting all year for this...

     Waiting to feel this level of happiness, but is there a need to wait?

     Can't we find some of those emotions, that excitement and joy at home too?

     Why can't home represent paradise too?

      When I'm on vacation, I get up about 2–3 hours earlier than I would at home, because I want to make the best of the day. Time feels different on vacation. There's no sense of rush.

       When I'm on vacation, I don't scroll on my phone the minute I wake up. I get ready, pick a special outfit and head out.

      When I'm on vacation, I seek to spend as much time outside as possible.

      What if I started doing these things that I only do on vacation, at home? Would I find some of that same excitement and sense of fulfillment?

      What if I woke up earlier, instead of laying in bed in procrastination?

      What if I put my phone away, and meditated first thing in the morning instead of scrolling on Tik Tok?

      What if I put on a special outfit for the most mundane things? What if I wear my favourite dress to go grocery shopping?

      When I'm on vacation with friends, and wait for them to finish getting ready, I like to sit on the balcony with my coffee and enjoy the view and fresh air.

       When I'm at home, I have my coffee as I try to finish the next chapter of my book. As I pack my lunch for work or answer emails. I don't enjoy the fresh air or view, because I tell myself that I see the same thing every day.

       When I'm on vacation, I take time to do nothing. To simply sit and listen to the birds chirp. Why do I never sit out on my porch and listen to the birds chirp here?

      Is it because I have too many responsibilities?

      Those responsbilities still exist when I'm on vacation, the only difference is that I willingly take a step back. At home, it's harder to take a step back. It's harder to sit and watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee when you remember the pile of dishes when you reached for you coffee mug.

       But just because it's harder, doesn't mean it's not possible. Maybe the first few times, you'll have a hard time fully relaxing. But the more you make time for those special moments that make everyday feel a little like a vacation, the more it will come naturally.

      We can't fully escape our responsibilities. But a responsible life doesn't have to be so different than paradise. They can share the same space. You can do some cooking, cleaning and bill paying and find at least a few minutes to sit outside in the sun. Even if that means that the laundry waits an extra day.

      Don't wait to feel the ecstasy of paradise. Find a way to bring a little bit of vacation in your every day life.

     It's time to seek paradise in the ordinary.