When Inspiration Whispers, Even on Vacation

There’s a certain irony in wanting to write while on vacation.

Part of me wanted to simply rest—to lie by the pool, listen to the ocean, and not do anything at all. The other part felt inspired—an idea forming quietly, asking to be written down.

That internal tug-of-war reminded me there’s a difference between writing from obligation and writing from inspiration. One comes from pressure to stay productive; the other from a whisper that wants to be heard.

After months of busyness—a demanding international move, a fall down the stairs, a lingering cold, and countless lessons about listening to my body—I finally got the message: slow down. Really slow down.

(If you haven’t heard the story behind that fall and how it became a wake-up call from the universe, you can listen to it in my podcast episode When the Universe Sends You a 4×4.)

Now, in the northern part of Bali, I’m surrounded by calm. This region feels like the opposite of the south—no beach-club chaos, no traffic symphony, no constant movement. Instead: still water, soft breezes, and mornings that stretch without agenda.

We came north to swim with dolphins in the wild, explore waterfalls, and experience a gentler rhythm. For the first time in two years, it feels like a real vacation—not a trip packed with obligations or schedules, but genuine rest.

Two of our five days here have been blissfully quiet. I’ve spent entire afternoons by the pool, Kindle in hand, reading for hours. I’ve eaten fresh fruit for breakfast, done slow laps in the water, and taken barefoot walks along the beach. There have been long meals, laughter, exploring, unhurried time together—and drinks by the pool.

And yet, even in this serenity, my mind still wants to move. Should I write or not? Should I keep my rhythm or fully unplug?

That’s when I realize: the mindset work never ends. It’s always a practice of noticing—catching the old reflex that equates worth with productivity and choosing to pause instead.

One evening brought an unexpected reminder. We stumbled upon a small seaside restaurant, and a kind Australian gentleman—a complete stranger—offered to treat us to a bottle of wine. It felt like the universe winking back, reminding me that when we slow down, life has room to surprise us.

Looking back, I honestly can’t remember the last time I had a vacation that felt this restorative. The past couple of years have been filled with purpose-driven trips—family visits, transitions, and the mental busyness that follows big life changes. This one finally feels different.

The biggest realization? Rest isn’t earned; it’s essential.

True rest happens when I stop trying to deserve it—when I allow myself to pause not because everything is finished, but because I need to refill. Writing from that place doesn’t feel like effort. It feels like alignment.

I haven’t mastered this mindset; I’m still a work in progress. The old thoughts still whisper: Shouldn’t you be doing more? But now I catch them sooner. Awareness is the bridge—the space where inspiration and rest can finally coexist.

If the universe is listening, I want it to know: I got the message. I’m resting.

With love and courage, 

Tania

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