Is it just me, or do you spend a lot of time at work, on the train, on the school run dreaming about escaping the hum drum of every day life?  Possibly your day dreams take you to living a self-sustaining life in an eco-lodge in the jungle, running your own vineyard in southern France, or relocating to Australia to become a surf dude?  Perhaps you're not as extreme as me.. maybe it's just a week in the sun that you crave, or a weekend alone without the kids.

The point is, escapism is as much in the planning as in the doing. I would estimate that in one week, I daydream about my next holiday / break / life change at least  once a day. I thumb  past beautiful beach photos in a magazine, flick past travel ads on tv, or gaze at the world map on the wall imagining frivolously where next. You turn round to your friend in the pub, or over a coffee and ask the question 'if you could be anywhere right now, where would it be?'  Right now, my three year old loves playing that game. 'South America' she replies, 'because there are no lions there.'  Okay, let's not mention the anacondas quite yet.  But she, like the rest of us, is learning the great art of holidays by escapism. Online, as well, there are a plethora of fantastic sites to browse, with images and copy to inspire and get the heart beating. And that's just in the world of travel. Everywhere you look, there are adverts, messages products, all designed with one tantalising message; If you buy me, you will escape your current life in some form or other.

But, away from the philosophising about the media-intensive world we live in and back to the wanderlust.  After hours spent musing, planning and researching about an ideal holiday (and then the ensuing diplomatic negotiation about where you all wish to go) you finally arrive, slump on the bed and utter 'I so needed a holiday.' 

And then, after the first few days of exploration and culture shock have worn off a bit and you start to relax, what do you start thinking about?  Home. All the time you're there, you never really question what you're doing - you're too busy doing it. But with a little distance, a bird's eye view of your life, you start to see it with objectivity, even with a little fondness.  Perspective allows you to make changes, big ones, maybe, but also small ones; fitness regimes and new starts.

Then, it's back on the plane to return to normal life.  The post holiday glow lasts around a few weeks (if you're lucky) maybe less and then your mind starts drifting to planning your next break.  Even if you were living on paradise island, had relocated to your nirvana, you would spend the initial honeymoon period thinking about how lucky you are and then you would start planning your escape; the next adventure.

The point is, like it or not, we all need the humdrum and routine of life. Without it, there is no escapism. And with no need for escapism, there is no chance for reflection and no chance to look forward and make changes in your life. So, as the autumn days start to draw in, indulge yourself in some planning and escapism. Embrace your restlessness and also your day to day, it's all part of the fine balance of life.