From the Editor
Take the Spring Break
It’s a challenge to get away. To be away from home, away from the office, away from family, and away from daily community happenings requires planning. One works ahead, preparing for the routine, as well as the unexpected. From stopping the mail, having the pets boarded, delegating work projects, to leaving detailed instructions in the event of an emergency at home and the office. Spontaneous getaways are tempting, but I’ve never had the courage to live that dangerously. One leaves for the holiday a bit tired, nervous, and anxiety-ridden, wondering, "What did I forget?" It takes a few hours, sometimes even a few days, to switch mentally into "holiday" mode.
I recently went on a week’s vacation with a group of friends, who are also busy professionals. I watched as we gathered at the airport and then arrived at our destination. Some wore their straw hats while carrying their briefcases. Others still wore business attire with their winter coats, even though our destination was the Caribbean. Cell phones were frequently used to "connect" until signals no longer allowed us to leave voice mails. Day planners and palm pilots were being updated. Some carried their Wall Street Journal, trade magazines, and even the latest InterBusiness Issues, while others had files to review. Those who easily slid in to the holiday mindset began reading a paperback bestseller. As we began our sailing journey, conversation focused on what it required to "get out of town."
As the hours and days evolved, the group relaxed. Confined to a 72-foot boat, and a world away from our normal routines, we slipped into a slower-paced vacation mindset. While sailing, we enjoyed the view, escaped into the plot of our novels, or entered into conversation. When anchored, we enjoyed water activities such as snorkeling, swimming, kayacking, scuba diving, fishing, and exploring tiny islands. T- shirts and shorts or swimsuits were the approved attire, with shoes forbidden on board. Communication with the "real world" was very limited, so living in and enjoying the moment was natural-and guilt-free.
Said one member of our group, "When you tell people you had fun on vacation and they ask what you did, recount it as, ’Well, you wake up leisurely, have coffee, read a bit, swim a bit, have lunch, shop a bit, read a bit, have dinner…ya know, we really didn’t do that much. But it was fun-and relaxing!’"
Even though the effort required to begin a vacation must be repeated upon one’s return, the breaks are necessary for our wellbeing. Absent our daily routines, we each had opportunity for introspection and also to become better acquainted with one another-for who we are rather than what we do. Being rather than doing can be the greatest mind and body refresher. Take a break this spring-it’s worth the effort. TPW
I recently went on a week’s vacation with a group of friends, who are also busy professionals. I watched as we gathered at the airport and then arrived at our destination. Some wore their straw hats while carrying their briefcases. Others still wore business attire with their winter coats, even though our destination was the Caribbean. Cell phones were frequently used to "connect" until signals no longer allowed us to leave voice mails. Day planners and palm pilots were being updated. Some carried their Wall Street Journal, trade magazines, and even the latest InterBusiness Issues, while others had files to review. Those who easily slid in to the holiday mindset began reading a paperback bestseller. As we began our sailing journey, conversation focused on what it required to "get out of town."
As the hours and days evolved, the group relaxed. Confined to a 72-foot boat, and a world away from our normal routines, we slipped into a slower-paced vacation mindset. While sailing, we enjoyed the view, escaped into the plot of our novels, or entered into conversation. When anchored, we enjoyed water activities such as snorkeling, swimming, kayacking, scuba diving, fishing, and exploring tiny islands. T- shirts and shorts or swimsuits were the approved attire, with shoes forbidden on board. Communication with the "real world" was very limited, so living in and enjoying the moment was natural-and guilt-free.
Said one member of our group, "When you tell people you had fun on vacation and they ask what you did, recount it as, ’Well, you wake up leisurely, have coffee, read a bit, swim a bit, have lunch, shop a bit, read a bit, have dinner…ya know, we really didn’t do that much. But it was fun-and relaxing!’"
Even though the effort required to begin a vacation must be repeated upon one’s return, the breaks are necessary for our wellbeing. Absent our daily routines, we each had opportunity for introspection and also to become better acquainted with one another-for who we are rather than what we do. Being rather than doing can be the greatest mind and body refresher. Take a break this spring-it’s worth the effort. TPW