…on my annual visit to the India Ocean to spend some time doing these kind of things. This time I shall be staying on this, even smaller, mountain top in the middle of the sea.
Fab, huh?
I acknowledge I’m very, very lucky to be able to do this. I feel the need to qualify my break in paradise by saying that my voluntary sector salary doesn’t pay for it - it couldn’t. But there’s also the fact that, without my break in paradise, I couldn’t continue to do the work that I do without burning out emotionally. Anyone who works closely with abuse survivors and most people who work in the voluntary sector will understand this.
I need to take care of myself - and I do. My break in paradise is part of that.
Blue, blue skies, warm ocean full of the most vivid, exuberant life just ten steps away from my door, powder-white sand, palm trees bursting with promises of fresh coconut milk still warm from the blazing sun, geckos climbing the walls of the open-air bathroom to find shade, gigantic fruit bats gliding over the tops of the waving palms in the light of the full moon, warm days filled with whatever I want - no phone, no tv, no news, no post and hardly any people. Bliss.
I’m usually choked when it’s time to leave because I don’t want to. Imagine your day starting somewhere like that and ending with you driving round the M25 in the rain… that’s what coming home is like. It’s poo.
But, barring tragedy, I’ll be back in a few weeks; back at work doing what I do best the only way I know how. In the meantime, have a fab new year everyone - I hope 2008 is….well, just…better.
10 responses so far ↓
Laurelin // December 28, 2007 at 11:08 am
Witchy, have an absolutely lovely time, as you so deserve it. The work you do for women is amazing. I love you. xxx
L.M. // December 28, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Hope your vacation goes well, it looks (and sounds!) very beautiful
I’ll miss you!
sparklematrix // December 28, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Oh wow witchy! Have a well deserved mega chill out.
jennifer drew // December 28, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Witchy you may not read this until your return. But in no way do you have to justify your well-earned rest and relaxation. No, not the patriarchal/militaristic one designed by men for men but one for women. All women who work supporting women abuse survivors need time away from their work, otherwise burnout is inevitable. Bon Voyage and forget all about men’s violence and simply enjoy the peace and contemplation.
stormy // December 30, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Bon voyage, have a great chill out. You deserve it.
Sarah (Ethically Speaking) // December 30, 2007 at 10:40 pm
Enjoy every second my lovely.
delphyne // January 2, 2008 at 4:47 pm
You’re probably in paradise already Witchy, but have a fantastic time!
Gayle // January 5, 2008 at 2:27 am
Oh Poo!
I just came back from vacation to find I don’t have the chance to see you off!
Have a wonderful holiday, Witchy! We’ll be here when you get back.
XO
Gayle // January 5, 2008 at 2:29 am
Hey Stormy!!
When are you going to restart that blog of yours???!!!
v // January 14, 2008 at 2:14 pm
i miss you! x
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