Blogs by Ella Fisher
Two Weeks of Vacation, and What It Taught Me
Two Weeks of Vacation, and What It Taught Me
Two weeks of vacation. I was really looking forward to it. And honestly, who ever expects a vacation to fly by this fast? Because no, I didn’t exactly sit still during those two weeks. Still, now that I’m back at work, I have to admit something: the normal rhythm has its own kind of charm. I usually slip back into it pretty quickly.
I think it all comes down to mindset, and mine is positive nine times out of ten. Sure, there’s always a short adjustment period, but I also know that it works itself out. I actually enjoy seeing my coworkers again, sharing stories, and hearing what everyone else has been up to.
One of the biggest things I learned during my vacation was how to say no. How to set boundaries. And how to take time for myself. That’s something I really want to keep developing this year, because I truly believe it will make me a better, happier person.
Do I miss sleeping in? Of course. But on the other hand, did it actually make me more rested? Not really. Do I need it sometimes? Yes, absolutely. I’m just trying to apply that same balance to my normal routine now. Sometimes it’s okay to admit you’re tired and go to bed at 9:00 PM. Early? Maybe. But it can feel amazing, and it often makes the next day so much better.
What surprised me most during my first week back at work, especially before and after working hours, was that I actually stuck to the promise I made to myself: making time for me. And that felt like a win.
Vacation Memories With the Girls
During the vacation, I did a lot of fun things with the girls. We went out for lunch several times, including a visit to the cat café in Almere. It was cozy, warm, and honestly just adorable. Seeing their faces light up every time a cat jumped onto the table was priceless.
I can already hear some people thinking, “That’s gross, a cat on the table.” I prefer to see it differently. What’s wrong with flossing your teeth with cat hair directly? Just kidding, of course. But when you go to a cat café, you know what you’re signing up for.
We also went to Spelekids. Half a day was more than enough. It’s still fun that our oldest enjoys it, although I do notice she spends more time gaming there now than actually climbing and running around. But hey, that’s part of growing up too.
We took long walks on the beach with our dog, Beau, did lots of crafting, watched movies, and visited their grandma in Purmerend. I barely sat still. And honestly, when I’m crafting with them or watching a movie together, that’s when I feel most connected. Those moments mean everything to me, and I soak them in completely.
A Realization I Didn’t Expect
What I learned about myself during those two weeks is that I may not have handled everything in the smartest way. I planned too much and did almost everything alone with the girls. That meant I had little to no time for myself. The result? I wasn’t rested at all, even though I slept in.
That might be part of it, but I do think it can be done differently. By the end of 2026, I already have a different kind of planning in mind. But honestly, we’ve only just started the year. One step at a time.
Christmas, Good Food, and a New Favorite Drink
During Christmas, we stayed in a cozy little house somewhere in the Netherlands. It was lovely. We went for walks in the forest with Beau and enjoyed eating out. On Christmas Day itself, that didn’t work out because I waited too long to make a reservation. Lesson learned. But on the second day of Christmas, we had an amazing dinner.
We enjoyed typical Dutch dishes: lots of meat, stewed pears, three courses that honestly felt more like five because the portions were generous. And during Christmas, I also discovered a new favorite drink for special occasions: Baileys Chocolate. Wow. That stuff is dangerously good.
Of course, I immediately Googled whether you can make desserts with it. The answer is yes. Who knows, maybe you’ll read about that in another blog someday.
New Year’s Eve and Letting Go
We celebrated New Year’s Eve at my best friend’s house with her husband and kids. It was cozy, relaxed, and full of great snacks. Beau came along too and behaved really well. He wasn’t overly panicked by the fireworks, which was such a relief.
That said, this was the last time for us. As a Dutch person, I do feel a bit sad that we’re no longer allowed to set off fireworks. But for dogs like Beau, it’s honestly a blessing. He did jump a few times from loud bangs, and I hate seeing him stressed. So no, I won’t miss fireworks. And if I really want to see them, I can always travel to a country where they’re still allowed.
I try to think in possibilities instead of problems.
I’m grateful I got to celebrate the end of the year with people I love, and I’m leaving 2025 behind. The insecurities, the doubts, the negative moments (thankfully not many). There was plenty of liqueur that night, and the next day I was exhausted, but surprisingly, no hangover.
Writing, Journaling, and Mental Space
When it comes to writing, I’m currently working on a new book. The idea feels strong and very relevant to a problem in our society that, unfortunately, many people deal with. I truly believe it will resonate with readers. It’s written in my typical Ella style: action, thriller, and romance.
I once read that an author (I can’t remember who, maybe even Stephen King) wrote one page a day. By the end of the year, that added up to 256 pages. That number isn’t a strict goal for me. Some days I write more, some less. Sometimes the story ends earlier, sometimes it grows into something much bigger. You never really know where creativity comes from.
I notice that when I write daily, ideas come faster. Sometimes I even dream about them.
Alongside that, I write daily in the 6-Minute Journal. In the morning, I write down what I’m grateful for, how I’m going to make the day great, and my affirmation. In the evening, I reflect on how the day went, what could’ve gone better, and what beautiful things happened.
That daily conversation with myself? I love it. It creates calm in my head and helps me reset for the next day. If I skip a day, I actually feel guilty and a bit lost. So when I travel for work, this journal is definitely coming with me. I don’t know how it will fit into a busier schedule, but even five minutes is enough. Just knowing I can write brings peace.
It helps me stay grateful and present in the now.
The 369 Method and Letting Go
Recently, I kept seeing the 369 method on Instagram. I looked into it, and it immediately resonated with me. The real power lies in letting go. You write one strong affirmation: three times in the morning, six times in the afternoon, and nine times in the evening.
I’ve been doing this for a week now, and I notice that I don’t constantly think about the subject anymore. Writing it repeatedly helps me release it. I feel calmer, and I truly believe that what I want will come to me, as long as the timing is right.
What those wishes are, I’ll keep to myself for now. But one important thing I’ve learned is this: if you obsess over something or let yourself get pulled into anger or sadness, it won’t work. Then it’s better to put the notebook away and take a break. So far, I haven’t needed to do that.
Memories for Later
Something else I love, mainly for my two girls when I’m no longer here, is the book 999 Questions About Yourself. It’s filled with personal questions: favorite color, music, what you find difficult, where you like to eat out.
Sometimes I really have to think about my answers. And sometimes I realize that I would’ve answered differently in 2025. There are no dates in the book, so you can pick it up whenever you want and put it down whenever you want. I had done exactly that, until I found it again while cleaning out my closet.
A Final Thought
I’m writing this for anyone who enjoys reading or who’s simply curious about what I did during Christmas and New Year’s. I believe people need to take more time for themselves. Life is busy, demanding, and loud. Put yourself first. Always.
And if that sentence bothers someone, they’re free to look the other way.
I’ve learned to say no, even though I still find it difficult at work. I’m naturally service-oriented and don’t like to disappoint people. But sometimes I do say no, in a respectful way. It takes practice, and I trust that it will get easier this year.
This year, I hope to:
- focus more on the 369 method and positive thinking
- continue exercising, or exercise more
- do more creative things like painting (which I used to love)
- say no more often
- stop engaging in discussions
- listen to my body and sleep more when I’m tired
My new book focuses on narcissism, a topic that’s widely discussed on social media and one I find incredibly interesting. I want to explore, through fiction, what a narcissist can be capable of and how you can recognize one.
What I hope my girls will see when they read my answers in the 999 Questions book is this: their mother is strong. And when she sets her mind on something, she will find a way to achieve it. That’s not arrogance. It’s belief.
Life becomes more beautiful when you believe in yourself. Because:
a) others often won’t
b) you’re the one who has to live with yourself your entire life
c) whatever you give attention to grows
And when you truly believe in yourself, the result is simple:
You succeed.