Bali Pool Day
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July 18, 2019
When most people hear me say I just went to Bali, this is what they picture: relaxing by the pool, exploring the local villages, getting immersed in the culture, etc. And while a little part of that is true, the bigger truth is that my “vacations” are 90% work and 10% play. Trust me, I’m not complaining. I’ve figured out a way to make my lifelong dream of seeing the world possible. But this realization got me thinking about work/life balance and how my version of achieving that is actually not going on a trip for once. Right now, I’m taking a break from traveling and while traveling is absolutely what fulfills me, this little break is feeding my soul just as much right now.
It’s ok to love something with every fiber of your being and still need a break from it.
This photo was taken after a long, 12-hour day of shooting photos in four different locations, touring Ubud, shooting video footage at the hotel, and never having the chance to eat all day. I was exhausted to say the least. All I wanted to do was relax by the pool, but when it’s golden hour, you can’t pass it up. Ryan and I rallied for one last shoot before the sun set and it was magical. We only got to see the sunset at this hotel on this one night since we arrived too late the night before and we had to leave early the next morning. It was gorgeous. I knew I wanted to shoot there as soon as I saw it and I’m so glad we were able to.
And I have to admit, I was about as excited to share this swimsuit as I was about the view. I’m not usually a mix and match kind of girl, and I definitely would not say I’m a big print mixer. But this combo just works. I love it. What’s even crazier is that these are actually reversible and the other side is the same colors as the , but vertical stripes. I love the color combination with this mix, but I kind of totally fell in love with the reverse side when I tried it on for the first time.
I’m so glad I finally got a few minutes to wear this suit and while this was the only time I’ve ever worn it, I definitely plan on practicing a little more work/life balance in the coming weeks so I can wear it again!
How do you recharge?
Photos by Ryan Carpenter.
Ashleigh
June 18, 2019 @ 8:22 am
Oh that suit is PERFECTION! I’m not usually a print mixer in my suits either, but the reversible bottle has me sold! It’s a cop-out if I don’t feel so daring lol and that location is seriously gorgeous as well!
xx Ashleigh
http://www.fashioninflight.com
Megan
June 18, 2019 @ 10:43 am
Isn’t it so amazing!? I love it! Totally changed my mind about print mixing!
Stephanie
June 18, 2019 @ 7:04 pm
I’m glad you made the most of this time and truly enjoyed the sunset, while simultaneously getting the gorgeous photos. I bet it was even more spectacular to experience in person!
Megan
June 19, 2019 @ 6:44 am
Oh, so true! The photos don’t even do it justice!! It was so peaceful and beautiful. I’m so glad we made the time too!
Aliya Gulamhusein
June 18, 2019 @ 7:51 pm
Wow I can’t believe how long a day you had. Always need time to recharge so that we can be our best selves. 🙂 Beautiful photos.
Megan
June 19, 2019 @ 6:43 am
That’s honestly so common during my travels!! It looks so glamorous from the outside but it really is a ton of work creating beautiful, high quality content. I’m sooo thankful for the opportunity to do it, but sometimes I need to just take a break!
Kristen
June 18, 2019 @ 9:34 pm
I love that suit, so super cute. I definitely recharge by having a day to myself.
Megan
June 19, 2019 @ 6:42 am
Thank you!!! Yesss, having a “me” day is SO important. Especially when you’re feeling burnt out!
Candace Hampton
June 18, 2019 @ 10:55 pm
Definitely worth it. Looks amazing! I love that the bottom is reversible<3 Perfect for those long trips and heavy luggage.
Candace Hampton
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Megan
June 19, 2019 @ 6:41 am
Yes exactly!! I’m all about pieces I can mix and match!
Briana
June 18, 2019 @ 11:42 pm
This looks like a dream!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Megan
June 19, 2019 @ 6:41 am
It was beautiful! 🙂
Kileen
June 18, 2019 @ 11:56 pm
These pictures turned out absolutely beautiful and I love this swimsuit combo! Definitely works!
Kileen
cute & little
Megan
June 19, 2019 @ 6:40 am
Thanks, Kileen! My new favorite for sure!
Lauryn Hock
June 19, 2019 @ 11:04 am
I am so glad you are being honest about this because it is so true! I often look at my friends that are travel bloggers (like you) and wonder how you do it all! Thanks for the reminder and for giving yourself grace, Megs!
Megan
June 19, 2019 @ 1:27 pm
Ahhh I LOVE that you just “get” it! It really is so much more work than people realize. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE what I do, but sometimes a girl just needs to breathe! 🙂
Rachel
June 19, 2019 @ 4:54 pm
That does sound exhausting! It sounds like you need a true vacation where you aren’t stressed trying to get the perfect Instagram photos and you can actually enjoy your surroundings. I hope you can find that balance!
Megan
June 20, 2019 @ 10:06 am
Yes, agreed!! Thank you, Rachel!
Kate
June 19, 2019 @ 6:00 pm
Yes!! I always catch myself looking a bloggers traveling and being like ugh I just want to visit the world. It’s so easy to forget it’s work! I try to recharge by taking time cooking a new dish (instead of rushing to make a dinner) while having a glass of wine. I also love my hot tub time and reading a nonfiction book – even if only for 10’minutes before bed. 🙂
Megan
June 20, 2019 @ 10:06 am
It’s so true! I always say that I’m SO thankful for the opportunities I have, but it really is work. Luckily I LOVE what I do, but that doesn’t mean I don’t need to recharge! Cooking is so therapeutic for me too 🙂 And I love books!!
Azanique S Rawl
June 23, 2019 @ 11:01 pm
Girl, breaks are so needed! Especially when you love what you do so you can feel refreshed in it.
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Megan
June 24, 2019 @ 10:53 am
Omg yes!! I always want to love what I do, so if I need to take a break to get back to that point then so be it!
TianShanae
June 24, 2019 @ 9:55 pm
You look gorgeous in your photos, I would never have guessed this was after a 12 – hour day. You will find that work/life balance. Just keep working at it.
Megan
June 25, 2019 @ 7:23 am
Thank you so much!! I was definitely exhausted, but there was no way I could pass up such a gorgeous evening!
Whitney
June 25, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
Work life balance will forever be a hard concept for me. I totally understand what you mean! Trips are hard too when they are for work since it’s hard to actually relax.
Megan
June 26, 2019 @ 7:57 am
Yes, exactly! I really need to make a conscious effort to keep the balance. I definitely consider myself lucky to have a job I love so much that I have to force myself to take a break! 🙂