It’s terrible to say, but after I take some time off, I wish I hadn’t because it’s so hard to get back into the routine of things. I imagine that’s not really healthy.

I would like to think a vacation is an extended Sunday strung together in consecutive days. A time to rest, reflect and rejuvenate.

Often, it doesn’t end up that way. I’ve had it go either way: One is trying to make up for lost time I didn’t have while working, so I work feverishly trying to catch up in areas of my life, only to feel overwhelmed. Or I come so far off the rails that when my vacation is over, I feel like I’ve lost all of my momentum.

It benefits me to plan ahead and think about what I’d like to get out of my time off. Most certainly it’s important to back off the throttle and give ourselves time to rest with a whole lot of “down time”. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t accomplish what interests us – as I’ve found vacations a wonderful time to daydream.

In fact, I’ve had some really wonderful ideas come to me because I was able to create space between myself and my work.

We don’t have to get too militaristic with our time to chill, but going in with a vague outline of what our expectations are couldn’t hurt.

First item on the vacation to do list: Do nothing

Enjoy. Relax. Daydream. And of course smile.

When it comes to my professional life, I don’t like to brag nor do I guarantee my work is going to be “perfect.” Some of it is my reluctance to put myself on the hook no doubt, but also there’s a small part of me that doesn’t want to jinx something that hasn’t come.

Maybe that’s a bit crazy or it’s my excuse not to commit to our finished product because I feel I can’t live up to the kind of quality it takes to get to the top. And the responsibility which comes with it.

Why is it then, that I have the fear of looking like a snake oil salesman when talking with a potential client about the quality of our product? It goes back to this: my track record.

We’re able to speak about ourselves and our work when we have proof (to the client as well as ourselves) we’ve done it before. When we’ve had past clients who have shared how happy they are with the finished product it solidifies our beliefs as well.

Enough of these experiences, we no longer feel like a charlatan, but a professional who churns out quality work.

It’s jarring for me when I’m speaking with someone and they interrupt me in mid-conversation because they can’t help themselves and jump to the punchline.

But often times, (and this happens to me frequently) I’m telling a different joke and it’s not the one they think it is.

Nobody likes being cut off in a conversation while speaking. Why would we do it to somebody else.

Maybe we should focus on listening to what they have to say rather than focusing on what our response is going to be.

Most importantly, maybe we shouldn’t focus on being right, but being wise. This can only happen by absorbing the information around you.

Not jumping to the punch.

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

What?

Basically, what’s good enough for you is good enough for me. And vice versa.

However, that can get a little distorted when we are only able to view the world from our own perspective as we navigate through the ups and downs of this wonderful world.

We can get caught up in the details of our own “issues” and fail to see the other person’s point of view. Especially when we’re young. That’s okay. That’s our job when we’re in our teens and early twenties. It’s all about us and “what’s in it for me.” Most of the time anyway. We all get through fairly unscathed.

Through age and our evolvement we come to empathize with others and possibly view each situation with a bit more objectivity. We realize there are numerous points of view to be taken rather than just our own.

Or at least I’d like to think we do.

Glad to be here having this life experience.

Happy to help you.

Honored to know you and be able to spend time connecting with you.

Regret not giving that a shot because I was debilitated by fear.

Hopeful I will square my shoulders up the next time I face those feelings and push through.

Sad because of all wonderful people I’ve lost over the years, but so very grateful to have them be a fabric of my life.

Ready for the next endeavor and curious how I will respond.

Astounded by the sheer intensity and beauty of my waking day.

Humbled to have the opportunity.