The Value of Breaking Away

"I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out

whether you like people or hate them

than to travel with them.”

― Mark Twain

I only go on vacation with other adults?who enjoy vacationing, want to be with others, and share responsibilities with little drama. And — here’s the kicker — I only travel with other great planners.

I am a plan-ahead person, even though my?Myers Briggs Type Inventory Personality Assessment shows my preference is for a more spontaneous approach to the use of time (especially on vacation).

The world of work requires that a person master?time management, prioritization, and stress management in order to flourish. I have dampened my need for an unplanned adventure and learned to be scheduled.

So much so that I love being prepared.?I like the mental work of finding solutions. I am attached to my list-making and have mastered the habit of spending the first and last half hour of the day planning my path through my commitments.

When I enter the day, week, and month with a plan,?I know that it will change and that Murphy’s law will hold sway. But a plan in hand creates the space for something spontaneous to occur.

In my family, I have often taken the lead on project-managing?travel and vacations. But the good news is that recently, my nieces have learned these skills, and now we share all the responsibilities. It makes for more fun!

This summer, I cruised to Alaska with friends who were?mostly former clients. Each person was very accomplished in their work field and contributors in life. And even more conscientious in their planning, as well as their attention to detail and the needs of others. It was a heavenly experience being an occasional leader, frequent follower, and teammate in the fun of a glorious vacation.

I am busy getting ready to be away for a ski week?in Colorado. It seems to take two weeks to prepare to be away and two weeks to catch up when I return.

Is it worth it?

Hell, yes!

It is worth it to break away from your day-to-day routines?and responsibilities and let go of what you know in order to rest, renew, and rediscover yourself. This is imperative for your well-being.

Stress erodes emotional intelligence.?Burnout is my enemy.

? Are?you taking time for yourself before the end of the year or in the New Year?

In preparation for this winter vacation,?I have found myself once again traveling with friends (former clients) and new friends. It could get complicated with everyone having expectations and needs.

However, before we have made it to our departure date,?everyone in the travel pack is working on their lists and initiating helpful plans and reservations. I am in pre-vacation nirvana.

Little stress, working the lists,?and positive anticipation.

There is a big lesson to acknowledge here.?I have great friendships. And just maybe I am getting closer to being someone who not only gives but also has learned to receive. Maybe after learning and teaching the importance of boundaries and adult-to-adult relationship behavior, I am living the lessons.

This is the greatest gift?of this season this year.

I am growing up and still growing.?I know how I want to spend my time and who I want to spend it with.

Just a few days ago, I shared in a blog?that my focus had shifted to counting all the hardships, challenges, losses, and disconnects of 2023. It made for a few days of dark thinking.

How quickly I am able to reset. I am surrounded by?good intentions, the right work, and positive relationships. There will always be challenges and disappointment. Today, it seems easy to work through and get past what is not meant for me or to be.

And the sun is shining in Cleveland.?(And the dog pack is snoozing. )

I am grateful.

I wish you time with family and friends?and an abundance of good cheer.

I count you as my blessing and?can’t wait to cook up something fun with you in 2024!

Leslie

“Even if you cannot change all the people around you,

you can change the people you choose to be around.

Life is too short to waste your time on

people who don’t respect, appreciate, and value you.

Spend your life with people who make you

smile, laugh, and feel loved.”

― Roy T. Bennet