On My Mind: Drop Out, Unplug and Enjoy

For the past several years, I’ve been on vacation and it’s always nice to get away.  But, one part of me never went on vacation. The autopilot part of me that still needed to get work done and take care of business – even if I was several states away, and had people lined up to take care of the most important things – had to do “stuff” and make sure it got done.

So often, after a full day of playing, seeing things, doing nothing…. you know, vacation “stuff”, I would stay up late at night doing work “stuff”.  What’s wrong with this picture? 

Well for one thing, I was on vacation.  For another, in the grand scheme of things, would it really make a difference if I slowed down for a week or two?  I think not.

This wisdom of realizing that it’s really ok to slow down has not been fast coming for me.  I dream about it.  I drool about it.  I even scoff when I see many men and women on vacation with a cell  phone glued to their ear – obviously in touch with the office.

But who am I to scoff?  It’s taken at least four decades (assuming I did not have this disease when I was a child or teenager) for me to say, “Whooaaaa.”  I am sure that a psychologist would have a good time with me and pinpoint the root of it all.  Perhaps something in my pre-natal development.

But, I don’t need that analysis any more because some light bulb went off about a month before this last vacation.  Some voice from somewhere said, “TAKE A REAL VACATION.”  And, it was LOUD.  That’s why I used capital letters.

So, I did.  I must admit there were some feelings of guilt and shame that popped up that first day or two.  But, I got on my bicycle and road.  I road long and hard, ate great food, took long naps, laughed a lot, and soaked up the incredible beauty of Vermont.  And, it was good.  Real good.

Guess what?  My little world had not fallen apart or been flushed down the toilet while I was gone.  Now, I did have twenty gazillion emails to buzz through.  A small price to pay for a REAL vacation.

I urge you… if you have the “must get work done at all costs” disease, try to do something about it now.  Don’t wait until you’re a “more mature” woman like me.  Get your work done during your work time.  When you go on vacation… go on vacation.  When you need some down time… make space for it.

You’ll be amazed at what blossoms within you when you do.

Would love to hear how you “get away” – really get away and take care of yourself.