I’ve been incommunicado for a little more than a week. I haven’t had access to email or text (for the most part) and the only way I’ve really had contact with the outside world has been through social media (mostly to check in on family).

It’s been strange, but really it has been absolute bliss. There aren’t a lot of times or places in today’s world that we can disconnect and leave our screen time, instant update, technology addictions behind. And honestly, disconnecting and disengaging from work is typically my hardest part of vacation. Because I feel that I need to be available. I don’t want to upset anyone. And leaving things (important and pressing or not) undone for 5-9 days is stressful for me.

But I’ve learned a few things this week.

1. The work will wait. When you come back it will either be there waiting for you to accomplish or someone else will have taken care of it.
2. Time away, disconnected, is good for you. And extremely important. Otherwise you aren’t recharging fully and won’t get the most out of your time off. Your work gives you time off in order for you to be refreshed–it’s vital to them for you to not burn out or be overly tired. Take advantage of it. It will make you a better employee.
3. I don’t need technology/email/social media as much as I think I do. But if it’s in front of me, I will use it. So I think I am going to start some sort of monthly tech detox for myself.
4. Photos are amazing. They drive our culture, help us tell stories, fuel our passions, and help us remember. But they aren’t the end all be all. Remember to take time to enjoy tour surroundings, and don’t live all of your experiences from a view finder.
5. It’s always good to budget more money for trips and vacations than you think you will need. But when you have money left over put it away as a jump start for your next adventure.

These lessons have been good for me. The time away has been good for me. Taking naps everyday and being outside in the sun every day has been good for me. I may not be ready to reenter the land of snow, but I sure am ready to get back to snuggle our cats, see my kids, and get back to the gym and other routines.