I decided to do something dramatically uncharacteristic.
When it was time to pick my vacation for the year, I decided to visit a health retreat.
I usually spent my vacation days at the beach or on a cruise sailing through various islands, but this year I felt inspired to do something different. I was turning 40 and I felt like I needed to readjust my life physically and mentally. I’d never been to a health resort before, but I had a friend who had visited one and raved about it herself. I always thought health resorts were for people who couldn’t function in society or were on the verge of a nervous breakdown, but I quickly learned that they’re for everyone. Everyone could benefit from a mental and physical tune up. When I checked into the resort, I was escorted to my room. When I went to adjust the temperature on the thermostat, the employee who checked me in told me that there was no private thermostat. In fact, the resort didn’t have an HVAC system at all. According to the resort, the lack of heat and air was a part of the health journey and I’d learn to live with the natural temperature of the weather. They even included something in my welcome pamphlet about how to naturally stay cool through opening a window or how to warm up by visiting their sauna. No HVAC system seemed ludicrous, but I was willing to submit myself for the benefit of my health.