While I enjoy traveling for vacation, my favorite days off are days spent at home with no schedule, no meetings, no clock. Today I slept in (6 am is sleeping in with Lily), went for a 7 mile run (3 miles with the girls), gave Lily a bath, brushed Molly, drove to the credit union with Lily holding her head out the window, took a nap and read a new book. Simple and routine activities that give us quiet moments as we move through them.
On the run, we saw a caterpiller on the path and a few steps later a bald eagle in the tree. The birds were singing and squirrels were chasing each other – it was like a Disney movie. We ran for the mere joy of it – no rush, 65 degrees with a gentle breeze and the sun reflecting off the lake. These are more than “days off” – they really are my “days on” where I let the day unfold and recalibrate my perspective, flowing from one minute to the next. There is a restorative effect to these days. They reminder us to stay “on” what’s really important when the noise turns back up and others try define our priorities for us. Mark your calendar now for your “days on” – no one will do it for you.