For the past several weeks, my wife Sarah and I have enjoyed time away with our two children on a much-needed vacation.
We’ve had a busy spring and summer including Sarah completing a masters degree and her counseling licensure requirements, launching and maintaining this blog, the birth of our son, a significant career transition – you get the picture.
So we both recognized the need to get away. And I’m glad we did – here’s what I learned…
1. Unplug
We spent a week at a secluded retreat in Central Virginia. While I did not completely unplug from e-mail and social media, I did set aside all projects and blog posts. (Most experienced bloggers would discourage this – but it proved to be profitable for me.)
It took a few days for me to get used to not checking e-mail and social media regularly. But it became easier with each passing day.
In fact, I had planned to resume posting on my blog, Twitter, and Facebook much earlier. But I was enjoying the time away so much I held out a few more days. I felt little pressure to jump back into my normal routine.
2. Family
The timing of our vacation couldn’t have been better. Sarah and I were able to just enjoy being together. I was able to support her as she cares for our newborn. We even found time to escape and revisit our vision, dreams, and plans for the future.
Our 6-week-old son, Andrew is fascinating. Tiny hands and feet. His breathing sounds as he sleeps. Soft cry when he awakes. Warmth of his miniature body as he lays on my chest. Priceless moments.
I also spent a lot of focused time with our 7 year-old-daughter, Madison – singing, playing, sleeping. Our beautiful princess is growing up so fast.
We made milk shakes. Went out on the boat. Ventured out to the general store. Though she has a little brother, Madison will always be my baby.
3. Reflection
Most days I spent some time reflecting and journaling my thoughts and experiences from the past year. We’ve enjoyed some incredible life-changing experiences. Our life and work will never be the same.
It was great to not have to be anywhere or do anything. Once again, I was reminded how important it is that I periodically take a break.
I am recharged and looking forward to exciting things in the days ahead.
If you haven’t planned to take a break, stop right now and decide when you are going to do it. Plan to take a personal day or a weekend getaway. Plan a camping trip with your kids. Go and plan your next vacation.
Your life and work will be there when you get back. And you’ll be better prepared for them.
I’m so committed to helping you succeed in your life and work that we developed the SIMPLE Personal Life Plan Guide and Template just for you! I want you to enjoy the freedom and clarity that comes from identifying your top priorities and I want you to avoid the struggles that I faced personally.
Once you download it and try it out, shoot me an email. You can even send me your draft to review for you. I’m looking forward to hearing about the dramatic improvements to your life and work.
It’s been great, David. Thanks for your note – enjoy your time away next month!
I’m so glad you guys had a great family vacation! I have a break of my own coming up next month and I’m very excited about it. This was a fun post to read, it’s always nice to see stories of others feeling refreshed and returning with a new mindset. I hope God continues to bless you and your family!
Thanks Katie – encouraging as always! Enjoy your time away.
Sounds like you had a great break Michael. We all need one at some point.
It’s been awhile since I took a complete break. The temptation to check emails, the blog, etc are great when I can access it from my phone.
I did, Joe. I used to have the same struggle – then I learned to
quickly turn email, calendar, and blog connections on and off when I
wanted/needed to disconnect.
Michael – So very glad you were able to unplug and reconnect with your lovely family.
We all need to step back and ‘do nothing’ sometimes. It is so helpful — in many ways.
So true! Thanks for your encouraging words.
Glad you were able to take a break!
Thanks Tammy!
I took mini-staycation this past weekend with my best friend who lives in Colorado now. We sat on the beach and watched the waves come in. Floated in the pool, through sunshine and rain. We talked and laughed. Went to church together. I wrote in my journal, worked on my blog. It was restful and overdue! I feel more refreshed this morning than I have any any given Monday morning this past year. 🙂
Thanks for the reminders about finding balance, making margin, taking time off. Sometimes I need that extra kick.
Sounds like you guys had fun! I’m glad you made it a priority. Enjoy your week!
I am glad you enjoyed the time! I agree that we all need to do something like this periodically. At the same time, I was beginning to wonder if I should report you missing!
I am glad you are back and I am looking forward to reading some fresh posts based on your experiences and rested perspective!
Thanks my friend! I appreciate your concern! 😉