We got out a week ago today.

I’ve been thinking of writing about my experiences, but it’s been difficult to know where to start, or what to focus on. How do you put into words, something that was so significant, yet went almost unnoticed in the United States?

I decided to just write my story. Here it is:

I didn’t sleep very well this summer. For about a month, I didn’t sleep much at all. I finally went back to the psychiatrist and asked for sleep meds. They help, but I’m bummed that I need them again, and I don’t like the drugged feeling I live with most days.

I absolutely love summer! I like to be warm, or even hot! I love flip-flops, and no jackets, and bike rides, and eating outside. Because of the sleep issues, and the extra rain this summer, I started looking for a way to extend the season.

Several friends posted pictures of their vacations in Cabo San Lucas, and they were stunning. I wanted to go!

~There is no time change! I wouldn’t have to worry about jet lag further messing with my sleep!

~There’s a direct flight from Denver-only 2 1/2 hrs.

~It’s in the safe part of Mexico.

I tossed the idea around in my brain for several weeks. I prayed about it. I talked to my husband. There were 2 weeks that were possibilities, but I just didn’t feel I could make the decision. It’s not that I couldn’t decide, for you praying folks-you’ll get this: I didn’t feel I should decide yet. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t time. I don’t know-I just didn’t feel right doing it through most of August.

At the beginning of September, I looked at my calendar and the week of the 13th was totally clear. Nothing. Nada. No appointments. No clients. No podcasts. Nothing. I prayed about it, and felt OK to book it.

We have a timeshare available to trade, so the next piece of this puzzle was to find a place to stay. The most beautiful place, Grand Solmar at Land’s End Resort and Spa was available. We could get a 1 bedroom with a full kitchen, right on the beach.

All I had to do was push the button. I pushed it!

I booked our flights and we were set to go in 2 weeks! My biggest relief with the timing is that my daughter Katie’s 21st birthday was September 21. I asked her if she was OK with us coming home on the 20th. She was fine with that and the plans just fell into place. We had no headaches booking this trip.

My prayer for the trip: “God, please just let me rest. I’ve been so tired. Sleep hasn’t been easy or restful. My body is tired. My mind is tired. My spirit is tired. Please let me enjoy your beautiful creation! Show me the ocean, and let me walk barefoot in the waves. Let me lay in the sun, boogie board, snorkel, and maybe go out on a boat at sunset. Thank you for the ability to just go like this. Thank you for the time-share to trade, and the money to pay for the plane ticket. Thank you for the time-off. Thank you thank you thank you.”

I’ve sensed a change coming in my ministry for several months, since the release of my book. I called my web designer and told him I’d like to update my site. I’ve been working with a coach to update my relationship intensives (now to be called retreats). My main goal for Cabo was to rest, but when I rest, my brain gets excited. I knew I’d have lots of inspiration from the ocean and palm trees, so I took my computer to begin the process of these updates.

I was so excited.

Can anyone relate? Have you ever looked forward to something so much, and felt it was so needed, and even blessed by God? Share your story in the comment section below!

Obviously, this is just the beginning of the story. I’ll write part 2 soon!

This post written by Colorado Life Coach, Carrie O’Toole, M.A.