Yes, I did it again—I hopped on a plane and flew back to Croatia while it was winter in New Zealand. I escaped the cold and, more importantly, stepped away from my work—completely. For three whole months, I ignored my inbox, social media, and all the daily tasks that come with running a business. It felt risky, but I was determined to embrace the Croatian phrase Sve Polako, which means "(everything slowly)" or "take it slow." And that’s exactly what I did.
Now that I’m back, I’ve had time to reflect on the experience. The freedom of disconnecting was exhilarating and a bit risky, but it taught me some unexpected lessons—read on to discover what happened.
The Adriatic Energy: Why I Keep Returning to Croatia
This was my second trip to Croatia in just 12 months, and if you’ve ever been there, you’ll probably understand why I keep coming back. There’s a certain energy in the air—something about the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding mountains that feels almost magnetic. It’s hard to put into words, but it radiates a deep sense of calm. The heat slows you down in the best way, forcing you to pace yourself because if you move too fast, you’ll quickly feel it. It’s as if the environment itself is telling you to slow down, breathe, and take your time.
Most of our days were spent on the island of Hvar, where we effortlessly fell into the rhythm of island life. There was no rushing, no plans—just waking up, heading down for our morning coffee at the local café, and letting the day unfold. Afternoons were spent swimming off the rocks, letting the cool salty Adriatic waters refresh us. As night fell, we’d find ourselves at the "Hula Bar," sipping cocktails and indulging in the simple pleasure of people-watching.
This relaxed pace, the quiet beauty of the sea, and the mountains standing watch in the distance created the perfect backdrop for my own internal shift.
There were definitely times when I felt that familiar tug of doubt—Am I doing enough? It’s hard to break free from the constant pressure to be productive, especially as a business owner. But with each passing day that I resisted checking emails or posting on social media, I discovered something unexpected: empowerment.
Letting go of the daily grind brought a unique sense of freedom. I realised that everything could wait, and I needed to fully embrace that. One of the most fulfilling parts of the trip was rediscovering the joy in life’s simpler moments. Spending quality time with my husband was a big part of that lesson. We reconnected in a way that wasn’t rushed—no more hurried goodbyes in the morning or exhausted reunions at the end of a long workday. Instead, we had the time and space to truly enjoy each other’s company, without any pressure or distractions.
The intentional time I spent with my daughter, Sasha, was equally precious. Without work pulling me in different directions, I could be fully present with her. We deepened our bond in ways I had hoped for—laughing, exploring, and simply being together. Those moments became some of the most cherished memories from the trip.
A Revolving Door of Friends: Reconnecting on My Own Terms
Our time on the island was made even more special by the revolving door of friends who came to visit. Each friend brought their own energy, and together we enjoyed the simplicity of life—laughing, eating, and just being present.
One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning to stand firm on what I needed, both for myself and in my relationships. I realised that it was okay to say no or to set boundaries, not out of selfishness, but because I deserved to prioritise my own well-being. It was freeing to not feel obligated to do something just because I felt I had to. Instead, I learned to share what I needed with those around me and create moments that felt right for me.
Reflecting on the Before and After
Reflecting on this experience has given me a new kind of strength and trust. I’ve learned that it’s more than okay to give yourself time and space—it’s essential. It’s okay not to be reactive or to feel guilty about relaxing. I came back with a deeper sense of peace and a stronger trust in the process. I no longer feel the need to be constantly “on” for my business or my community.
And perhaps most importantly, I now cherish those quiet moments with my family even more. Doing nothing but spending quality time together has become a priority. It’s not always about doing more or achieving more; sometimes, it’s just about being.
If you’re afraid everything will fall apart if you step away—trust me, it won’t. When you return, you’ll feel more refreshed, grounded, and connected to what truly matters. As the Croatian saying Sve Polako reminds us, "everything slowly"—everything will still be there, but you’ll come back stronger and happier for taking the time to slow down.
Have you ever taken a break from your business? How did it feel to disconnect?
Share your experiences with me in the comments—I’d love to hear how you manage to slow down in today’s fast-paced world.
Ines x
I work with soulpreneurs to identify their unique strengths and reconnect with what truly matters in both their personal and professional lives.
If you’d like to learn more about how to create space for yourself, embrace a healthier pace, and uncover what your business truly needs, I’d love to connect and support you in this process of discovery and growth.
Reach out: info@girlstalkbusiness.com
Or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inescurin/
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