Whenever I think about vacations, I no longer see them as just a chance to travel or enjoy myself. For me, a vacation has become something much more personal. It is my way of slowing down or stepping away from the usual Lagos rush and giving myself permission to breathe. I’ve noticed that when I don’t pause, life feels like one endless race, and I get so caught up in running that I don’t even realize how tired I am.
Growing up in Agege, I never really thought of vacations as something important. I thought they were only for people who had plenty of money and free time. But as I got older, I started to understand that a vacation doesn’t always mean flying out of the country or staying in a luxury hotel. Sometimes, it simply means stepping away from the noise, finding a quiet place, and allowing myself to feel at peace.
Each time I go on a short break, I discover new things about myself. When I’m away from the noise of daily life, I begin to see my thoughts more clearly. I reflect on where I am in life and where I’m heading. It’s during those moments of rest that I ask myself the questions I often avoid when I’m busy. Am I living intentionally? Am I really happy with the choices I’m making? Strangely, it’s when I’m resting that I hear the loudest answers.
I remember the last vacation I took, and how much it changed me. I didn’t spend it doing anything extravagant, but the simple act of waking up without pressure, sitting quietly, and just letting my mind wander was powerful. It was in that quiet that I realized how much I had been carrying on my shoulders without noticing. By the time I returned, I felt lighter, renewed, and ready to take on new challenges.
Now, I see vacations differently. To me, they are not luxuries. They are necessities. They remind me that I am human, not a machine. They give me back my strength and help me see life with fresh eyes. Taking a vacation doesn’t mean I’m lazy or wasting time, it means I value myself enough to pause, heal, and reset.
So whenever I step away for a break, I’m not just resting. I’m recharging my spirit, regaining my focus, and preparing myself to come back stronger. That, for me, is the true gift of a vacation.