Much like everyone in the world, 2020 was not a good year for me.  Most of us have been stressed to the max, tired, and just mentally drained by every day, abnormal circumstances (because this “new” normal, is abnormal in my opinion.)  Also, much like everyone else, I had to make some adjustments to my daily routine and way of life.  Both personal, and professional.  And let us be honest, who really likes change?  Especially this much!

I am very OCD, “Type A” if you will.  I like things the way I like them.  Sometimes I have just had enough and need to recharge.  Pretty much for the entire summer, to heal my mind and put myself in time out, I travel north on the weekends to “my happy place”.  We have property off a lake where things are just peaceful.  I pack my bags, grab the dogs, and off I go!

A lot of soul searching takes place, campfires, lazy river trips, breathing in the fresh air, and simply decompressing.  And unplugging!  We find ourselves so much connected! On a computer all day, meeting after meeting, just pushing through.  Trying to stay connected (email on your phone), just to stay on top of things and not fall behind.  Then there’s social media.  When you aren’t working, and you are on your phone, there is still a lot of screen time.  It isn’t necessary.  Unplugging is.  Sometimes disconnecting from things is the only way to keep your sanity.

I’m lucky to have “my happy place”.  I don’t know where my mind would be if I didn’t have that escape.  It’s necessary to take time for yourself.  It’s crucial really. When your mind is healthy, you feel better; you are simply a better person.  The world needs more positivity, hugs, and humanity.  So the next time you feel the sun on your face or feel the wind blow through your hair, release your tongue from the roof of your mouth, drop your shoulders, and breathe!