As a tourism operator, the off season can be a tricky time. From the outside it may seem like a dream to have the time off but if I’m being honest (and I always try to be here), the lack of structure can be very challenging for me.

I knew I was out of alignment. The whole day at MGM pool on Sunday (the day before) I had a headache and was just feeling out of sorts. The over stimulation and lack of solitude was catching up to me but I was frustrated to be feeling shitty on vacation so I just pushed through and tried to make the best of it.

I cleaned out the shanty last week. It’s now been about a month since our final deep sea fishing charter of 2024 so it’s time that I really wrap things up.

We need to learn to truly listen to ourselves and make choices that are aligned with who we are and what matters to us. Because when we do that, there is no stopping us!

I’m learning that in addition to the digestive and energetic benefits I’m seeking there are many other things coming to the surface. 

While I’m excited (and ready) for the break, I always have a hard time transitioning into a slower schedule. Going from working what felt like all the time (mostly because even when I wasn’t at work I couldn’t help but still be thinking about it) to having very few commitments on my plate is a hard shift.

I also never thought I’d live in PEI as an adult.

I thought I’d come home and visit. Have a nice little cottage and then go back-and-forth to my corporate job out west. PEI would always be home but I would only be there for short visits once or twice a year

Now I live here and have been back almost as long as I’d be gone. I’m grateful that I’m now feeling much more integrated into the community than I thought I would I would be.

A career in tourism can be so rewarding. We get to be a part of other people’s vacations and help them make memories. We contribute to the economy here on PEI and help employ thousands of people. And while all those things are amazing, just don’t let the career you chose be what consumes you and keeps you from enjoying this beautiful island of ours!