Things you learn of vacation

The blog has been on hiatus for the last three weeks because I have taken some time off to rest and recharge.  I witnessed a family member marry and experienced the American frontier during that time.  Now that I am starting to settle back into my usual routine, I want to share what I have learned with my readers.

First of all, I desperately needed some time off.  I worked over fifty hours a week and struggled to maintain my business at night and on weekends.  It took an emotional and physical toll on me.  I was eating poorly.  My sleep cycle was swinging wildly between insomnia and twelve-hour power naps on weekends.  I also noticed that it was becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate on anything.  I was a textbook definition of burnt out.

The next thing I noticed that when I finally got on the road on my trip to Jackson, Wyoming was that the cycle of my work had become so consuming it took about three days before I stopped checking mail from the office.  I felt like I should be doing something when what I really should have been doing is enjoying myself. I was exhibiting the pathology many professionals suffer, and it was the inability to disconnect.

I also noticed that my relationships with my family were frayed and that I needed to spend time with them.  Most of my cousins are grown and have spouses and children of their own.  I began to reconnect with them.  It was a nice and a chance to focus on what was important.  It amazed me what remarkable people my cousins have become in their adult years.

The good news was that Jackson was the perfect antidote to my self-induced fatigue.   The altitude was bracing for a Midwestern fellow like me.  The scenery reminded me how essential nature is in our lives.  I also attended one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever witnessed, with the Grand Teton Mountains acting as the cathedral.  I even got to get some exercise, which I have been neglecting for most of my career.

While I was away, a few things became apparent to me.  Striving to be successful, the only people who willare going to be in your corner are family.  Next, Jackson, Wyoming, is a weird mixture of conspicuous wealth and rugged cowboy heritage.  The juxtaposition is very disorienting.  Finally, for most of my trip, I could not escape the presence of the technologies that are responsible for my livelihood.

The great frontier is no different than my sweet home, Chicago.  Tourists fill the streets listening to music streaming on smartphones.  Jackson had 4G LTE service.  Tablet computers and laptops were being used openly in the national parks.  Finally, all of my pictures were taken with my phone.  You can try to escape the 21st century, but it keeps finding you.

All of the revelations were good for me and I look forward to getting back to work and making sense of my business.  We are also working on a new project for the business, which we will be sharing online soon.  It is nice taking time off, and I am glad that you could indulge me.

Until next time.