It was really a spur of the moment decision. We didn’t plan for it; we certainly didn’t budget for it. My family’s decision to take off for a 10-day California vacation was one of those “carpe diem” moments. But one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for our family.
My mom passed away a few months ago, just shy of her 
90th birthday. I say this, not to elicit sympathy, but to give context to our vacation decision. Mama lived a long, full life, and her quality of life at the end was almost nil. Her passing caused me to reflect on the good memories and to think about my own family. My parents took us on awesome vacations, and those were certainly part of the good memories. Oh we’ve taken our kids on great vacations, but California just didn’t seem to happen, despite the fact that I wanted them to experience the beauty and wonder of Yosemite and the giant Sequoias. Since California is such a big state, you have to devote a fair amount of time to get around. Every summer for us has been spent at a ballpark. Until this year, that is.
Anyway, we did it. I must admit, I threw myself into the experience. I can’t think of a time when I left my business for two full weeks, (I stayed on for the National Speakers Association conference in Anaheim). Before leaving I notified clients, made arrangements for special purchases to be handled by my Virtual Assistant, and really didn’t look back.
Sorry, Facebook friends, I did not post “in the moment” pictures of us walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, nor did I allow you to share in the awe and beauty of the Sequoias or the incredible falls of Yosemite. I didn’t post my exuberance over white water rafting for the first time, nor did I share my reactions to the quirkiness of Venice Beach or the magnificence of Big Sur Drive.
Sorry. Those experiences were just for us. And I was truly in the moment.
One of the best aspects of the getaway was that 
I really did allow myself to “unplug”. I didn’t bring my laptop, and while I have an i-phone, I didn’t check e-mail or call the office to check voice messages. And I didn’t feel guilty about it either. Unplugging was something I did for myself – and for my clients.
By truly unplugging and disconnecting from my clients, from social media, and 24/7 accessibility, I was able to reconnect with my family. And they are my top priority. It’s not that I don’t value my clients. I do. But they know, from working with me, how very important it is to have your priorities in order.
I am of better service to my clients for having allowed myself to unplug and “recharge”. Certainly the same holds true for any leader. Can you unplug so that you can be of better service to your team? You may not be able to take off for two weeks, but have you considered really disconnecting for even a few days? I know leaders who go on vacation for a week, but they’re constantly fielding calls, emails, and text messages. That won’t cut it.
Why not try to disconnect for even short periods of time? 
Train someone to hold down the fort during your absence. You’ll come back refreshed and rejuvenated and your team member will have a renewed sense of confidence and self-assurance.
Let me know how it goes. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get to work!
Action Time! What will you:
- start doing,
- stop doing, or
- do differently
to unplug and recharge? Use the comment box below and share your action plan with us!
