The Vacation Transition

Why Relaxing Feels Hard in Midlife—and What God Is Gently Teaching Us

There’s a strange in-between space that happens on vacation—the moment when your nervous system hasn’t quite regulated yet and you feel oddly guilty for trying to relax.

It’s the time when the shouts of “should” are so loud that even “you should relax” feels like it needs to be added to your to-do list.

Actual text I sent a friend:

Why can’t I let myself stop fasting, have a drink, and eat a chip!?I feel so guilty!!!!

Her reply (she’s also a health coach):

You’re on vacation! This is exactly when you’re supposed to enjoy yourself. One chip and one drink isn’t going to undo anything—your body is so much more resilient than that.Do you need me to remind you of your beautifully low inflammation numbers? 🥰🤣

And here’s the thing—it isn’t just guilt over slipping out of ketosis for a few days.

It’s the guilt of not constantly producing.Not posting.Not writing.Not studying.Not preparing for whatever comes next.

For me, this transition usually hits about 48 hours in.

The first 24 hours? Pure heaven. We almost always go somewhere warm—no jackets, no layers, no negotiating with the weather. That alone feels like freedom to me.

My mornings look like this: time with Jesus, coffee, sunshine, then a run on the beach. I write. I study. I soak it all in.

And then—about three hours into what feels like my perfect routine—I get antsy. Because I know it’s time to put it all down and just be.

Be still.

Be quiet.

Be present.

Not producing.

Not learning.

Not consuming.

And honestly? This mirrors our relationship with the Lord more than we might like to admit.

So often, we feel like we have to pursue Him. I love the phrase “following hard after Jesus.” And that’s not a bad thing—it’s a beautiful trait. It’s the same posture we take as hands-on moms, caregivers, servants at church, women who show up and give their all.

But at some point, we have to stop long enough to be filled back up.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7)

Rest in Him. Let Him love you simply for being you—not for everything you do.“For it is by grace you have been saved… not by works.” (Ephesians 2:8)

By now, you’ve probably realized I’m writing all of this while still chomping at the bit to do all the things. And that’s exactly what the vacation transition is about.

Confessing to the Lord (and being honest with you, my community of believers.)Breathing through the discomfort of stillness. And slowly, gently, arriving at a place of glorious rest.

Say this prayer with me: Lord, teach me how to be still without guilt, to receive Your love without striving, and to trust that rest in You is never wasted.

(Up next: that moment when I start counting down the days until we have to leave… and casually browse real estate listings because once again I question why we live somewhere it snows. 🤣)

xoxo,Kerstin

 If this message meets you right where you are, I’d love to invite you a little deeper. Inside my YouTube Membership, I offer free group coaching, live conversations, and a safe space for women in midlife who are learning how to rest, reset their nervous systems, and walk closely with the Lord in this season. You can learn more and join us here: https://youtube.com/live/_oOErhrgzEw. And if you’re craving encouragement you can listen to anytime—on a walk, in the car, or during a quiet morning—I share honest conversations about faith, stress, and whole-body healing on the StRest Podcast, which you can find here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7Zzx1-4SiGVKKuTJETgDTbqbtHvZeV4Q.

Coming Events...

Please join me February 11th for our Open Prayer Group 9a PST/12pm EST. Virtual via Zoom. Tickets are Free, you just need to register here  https://www.kerstin-lindquist.com/event-list  

Group Coaching February 17th - Bring all your questions to this small, heartfelt group and get real answers and strategies in a safe affordable place. https://www.kerstin-lindquist.com/event-list

The 30-Minute Reset—an exclusive, members-only huddle designed for busy men and women who are ready to stop 'surviving' their schedules and start thriving in their bodies.Whether you are navigating the complexities of midlife, managing a high-stress career, or simply looking for a community that values both science and spirit, this is your space.

The Zeal Conference February 28th in Philadelphia. See me speak; Called to Be Seen—Confidence, calling and Career Momentum, Through Owning Your Real Story. https://ccdelco.ticketspice.com/httpthezealconferencecom

Seeking Whole Health Conference April 16-18, 2026, in Wooster, Ohio. 

We believe you can build a healthy, fulfilling life with the food, remedies, and lifestyle

God created and intends for our good. Ill be speaking Friday.

Use code 2DAY20KL https://seekingwholehealth.com/conference/ 

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