You Need A Vacation
The world isn’t going to end if you take time to care for your body, mind, and soul
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I recently returned from a 10-day surf trip to Nicaragua. It was me, my brother from another mother, and our surfboards. That was it.
We had no laptops, no cell service, and no work meetings.
This was the first vacation I have taken in years where I didn’t write any articles, read any personal development books, or do anything productive. I did five things and five things only:
- Eat
- Sleep
- Surf
- Read
- Relax
Relaxing included swinging in a hammock, swimming in the pool, chatting with my buddy about life, going for walks on the beach, and petting cute puppies.
Sleeping wasn’t just a nightly endeavor, I am proud to report that I averaged at least one nap per day. I napped in hammocks, on the ground, and slept like a baby during our long car rides to and from the airport.
But enjoying all this leisure time didn’t come easy.
Sitting still is hard
It’s embarrassing to admit, but I actually had to adjust to such a leisurely lifestyle. For the first five days or so, I felt anxious and antsy whenever we weren’t surfing. I kept asking myself if I should go read or go do pushups or go do something — anything — to be productive!
I had gotten so used to filling every waking hour of my life at home with tasks and activities, that just sitting still and doing nothing felt unacceptable.
More than that, it felt wrong.
Reflecting on the experience now, I can see what was happening during those first five days. My ego and my inner critic were coming face to face with who I was when I wasn’t producing.
I had to answer the question of who am I without my competency and work ethic?
And let me tell you, that’s a tricky question.
The front porch
I learned a few powerful lessons on this trip. First, I witnessed firsthand that the universe did not implode when I decided not to…
