Here's the organized version of all ideas big and small that I scratched down during my brainstorm for Reality Rain Cheque.

​They are mostly doable, budget friendly things that (most importantly) appeal to ME!

​I look at this "break" time as a chance to do things I can't always do. As a no excuse time. As an opportunity to live the life and be the person I want to be. To be intentional about my actions and thoughtful about the reasons behind them.

​Only a few days in and I can already sense the shifts in my perspective on how I want things to be after this vacation. It will be different... In so many ways... It is my hope that my family will reunite feeling refreshed and with our cups overflowing! Ready for more experiences that make us happy and meaningful time that doesn't need to end just because vacation is over.

​Anyway, more on that later.

Here's the list in all it's random, from-the-heart glory.
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And there you have it: my list!

​You may have noticed I added italicized text next to what's complete, which isn't much so far! Lots of ideas and time to make things happen. Ultimately I'm choosing to go with the flow during this time. The list was a way for me to thought dump and now go from here to make the most of this time I have been given. There's already been some pretty cool moments of "attraction" or signs of this adventure unfolding positively... Go watch The Secret to learn more about that ;)

​Until next time, friends. Thanks for following along xoxo
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Day 1.

Powerful phrase.

​Of what, you ask?

​Day 1 of Matthew and the girls trip to Newfoundland... without me!

​Something we have been counting down for months. Excitement for plane rides and visits with family. Cousin play time and grandparent help. East coast living and home cooked meals.

​And then there's me, just as excited for all of the fun they are about to have, and equally excited for my "break", but also left with this strange jumble of mixed emotions.

​Of course I would love to be there too. With them. With family and friends.

​However, perhaps most strangely surprising of all, I am feeling very peaceful about it all. I feel a sense of trust in the timing of how life is unfolding.

I think this time away is going to be good for all of us. Albeit hard to be away from each other so long.

​​As we chatted with the attendant, who was helping us check their baggage at the airport this morning, I commented it was a "vacation for me too." She later asked me what I was going to do, to which I replied "rest a relax... Clean the house..." Which brought on a "that's no fun!" Echoed by Matthew.

​I'll be totally honest, I actually am looking forward to a deep clean, de-clutter and organization because it makes me feel good.

But, they're right. That's no fun.

​And so, I spent a good chunk of today brainstorming and jotting ideas down of how I want to spend my time over the next 18 days. How I can make it fun. How I can be intentional about my way of living.
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​I feel a strong calling for adventure during this time. A voice that's telling me to 'go for' things and this is my time.

​I keep thinking, when will I ever have this time again? A time, when although I do have work to do, I am not formally working a full time job. I am flexible. I have time. ​The odds of me ever having this much "time off" from working and parenting, being in good health and at home, are likely never to happen again.

THIS IS MY CHANCE!

I'm calling it my Reality Rain Cheque ;) It will be documented here on the blog and on Instagram (@xokatiehowell & #realityraincheque)

​It's exciting!

Most things are on a budget, too. Because, while I'd love to have the resources to pull off all sorts of adventures, the whole not working factor, influences this aspect. Although low cost activities have been enticing to me and I'm liking my ideas so far.​

​I can't decide whether to share my list or just document as I go... (?)

​One thing (or series of actions) I have determined as a simple 'goal' for happiness and gratitude every day is to:
​Move. Get Outdoors. Read. Write. Connect.

​Straight forward. But I'm really looking to have this "no excuse" time to devote to living more intentionally.

​I ran 5K with the pups this afternoon to get my 'move' in and really set these goals and ideas in action. Running always helps me get clear on thoughts and/or paths, so I'm excited to "jump in" now... Stay tuned!
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Hopefully this little intro has inspired you to follow along my adventure. I look forward to sharing more as time unfolds.

Thanks, as always for reading!
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