Well, not yet, but jet skiing, aqua bouncing, water sliding and lake swimming. I’ve been on vacation & offline for a week, in the gorgeous Pacific NW. We’re in a rental at Lake Chelan, WA. The unit has a lovely pool, a well-stocked pantry, and comfortable beds, but no wi-fi.  I intended to hit the “hot spots” before today, but somehow, each morning the plan for the day got in the way.  (Of course I mean re-prioritized. Didn’t I say that? I manage my time.) 

Vacation lessons.  Here they are:

1.       Don’t plan to work or catch up while on vacation.  Family & fun are more important. Not to mention the blueberry farm breakfasts, winery tours and salmon BBQ’s…

2.       If you planned to work during vacation, and you don’t, forgive yourself for not being perfect. If it were something that HAD to be done, face it- you would have done it before you left. Take a minute to get the work you’re not doing off your mind and onto the calendar for the week you return.  Above all- don’t complain about not working! It’s your choice. A good one. Nobody else wants to hear about it. Anyway, they couldn’t believe you thought you’d get any work done in the first place. (yes, Steve, it was a little unrealistic, I admit it)

3.       Enjoy every day. Standalone. Counting down the days you have left takes a little bit away from each one. When I coach time management, you look at the total time you waste every day on interruptions- it’s the same with vacation termination anxiety.  It adds up. (That’s a clinical term, isn’t it?)

If you’re on vacation, or even just off for the evening, day or weekend, don’t let work intrude. You spend plenty of time working. Once more, with feeling:  Life is short. Struggle is optional.

See you next week!   (Hmmm, should I bring pictures? Better start taking some…)