FOMO in Phuket 🤯

Okay, so today was a planned rest day. While I’d pencilled in a walk along the beach and a visit to an elephant sanctuary later in the day, most of it was just meant to be about relaxing and chilling at the resort. Breaking up the journey, slowing me down. Waking up early, it was pissing down rain. It is monsoon season, so not surprising — but golly gosh it was wet.

My mood this morning just couldn’t relax though. I was in go mode. Must do things! What? Anything — just do something so you don’t miss out, Carl. What if the rain ruins the day? But what was it going to ruin? I had nothing planned. I’m going to call this rain-induced FOMO. I got up, dressed, and headed out in the rain for a 7am breakfast.

The Pullman do a good breakfast buffet, but even that I was rushing. Must eat — more — more!!! Now sickly full, the staff brought over a farewell chocolate platter. Lovely touch — I like special treatment — but oh my gosh I can’t fit anything else in. I rushed back to my room and pondered what I could do now it’s raining. Why do I need to do things now I’m here? Because it’s raining and I’ll miss out on things. My brain works in bloody strange ways.

I decided to try and nap. Chucked on some mindfulness music and slept for about an hour. Well done. Still feeling very FOMO, so I went for a walk, in the rain, along the beach. The view of the beach from the hotel is scenic, and I imagined how much better it would be if it were sunny. I proceeded onto the beach, feeling the sand beneath my feet. It was a nice exfoliating experience.

Sadly the beach is a little polluted with rubbish, but it doesn’t seem to stop the small crabs dashing between their holes in the sand. I’m still rushing. Why? Where am I rushing to? There is literally nothing I need, or even want to do today, but I have an overwhelming urgency to get it done as fast as possible anyway. But what is it? I went to the beach — the sand was soft, the water warm as a bathtub — but my mind was racing too fast to notice how lucky I am to be here, even in the rain.

I got back to the hotel and contemplated a gym workout and steam room before I stopped myself. No. We’re not starting this game on day one. Bed. Rest. You can get up again for lunch at midday. I left the doors open, turned off the aircon, and lay in bed under the fan. The sound of the rain, wind, and water feature outside my room provided the perfect white noise background for a nap — albeit a short one.

Waking up, I wondered where the patch of blue in the sky was today. My mum used to always say that there’s always a patch of blue somewhere. Sure enough, I looked out from the balcony and staring back at me was a patch of blue. The rain had even stopped.

Exploring the resort for lunch, I’m shocked that the bar overlooking the ocean only serves Italian. No thanks. I go to the other restaurant that serves Thai, order a pad se eww and decide on mindful eating. Chew, taste, swallow, add more chilli — hello flavour! I write this post as I wait for my order and continue as I eat. Even my writing is fast, tapping the letters out on my phone as if my life depends on it. Slow the f**k down, Carl. I put the phone down and look out the window while I eat and chew. Rushing was keeping me from the moments around me — like the butterflies having somewhat what I hope is hanky panky time on the plants outside, and the massive lizard laying on the edge of the pond. For a moment I thought it was a crocodile!

The morning wasn’t the start I wanted — probably lucky it was raining though. If it had been sunny and the FOMO kicked in, I probably would have walked a marathon and exhausted myself on day one. Feeling more regulated after this post and lunch. Now ready to actually do the one thing planned today — without rushing so much.Läs mer