The new year is upon us and we all know what that can mean — champagne, resolutions, bowl games, and for some the last days of a holiday season vacation.
Rest, Recover, Enjoy
I’m always surprised by the range of responses to taking a few days off. There are some who jump at the chance to get away but there are also those who relish in a quiet setting while co-workers are gone and those who panic at the idea of time away from the office. For me, vacation is essential. I use the time to sleep in, to read, to visit with family and friends, and to prepare for whatever might be ahead. For those of you who find it difficult to get away (if, in fact, you aren’t too busy to read this), here are a few ways to reconsider vacation time:
1. Your work or your business will still be there. When I was graduating from high school, my father gave me a copy of Lee Iacocca’s autobiography. I believe the single thing that I remember about the former Chairman of Chrysler Motors was that he had little respect for leaders who couldn’t plan well enough to schedule time away. Sure, things happen that disrupt schedules but really, work will still be there when you return.
2. Sharpen the Saw. Another book received years ago contained wise advise from the late, Steven Covey. I have a small pictorial of Covey’s seven habits tacked over my computer at the office. One of those seven, is the concept of sharpening the saw or working to find balance. Balance is something that is perpetually discussed especially amongst working women but I have found that I have to be deliberate in scheduling it. Some of us love to work and that’s not a bad thing but the reality is that taking time away to refresh is not only fun but we return even more ready to go and excel.
3. Keep Learning. Vacations are the perfect time to read for fun or to catch up on something that we’ve been meaning to understand. It’s also a good time to reach out and meet people. Are there other bloggers that reside in the area you’re visiting? Reach out. Exploring a new area means meeting the people too and who knows what those new relationships might lead to?
4. Think. My vacations work perfectly as time for reflection on my life and my goals. I often think about the previous year and what went well but also about what I wished had been different. It’s also a time for deep thinking about what I want to accomplish with my family and in my work. What will I read? Where will we travel? I especially seek out the nexus of those things that I am passionate about and where I can make an impact. Do my actions demonstrate my priorities?
5. Put things into perspective. By stepping away, I have often found that my view has changed when I return. Problems don’t seem nearly the issues that they were before my vacation. Sometimes, they’ve diminished greatly or even disappeared.
I’m certain that there is are more reasons than I have listed here but regardless, I trust you’ve all had some time off and ready to embrace the New Year!
Happy 2015 to each and every one of you! May it bring you joy and health.
Tammy
Agrigirl's Blog 
Tandy | Lavender and Lime
/ January 2, 2015Such great advice Tammy. I think it is important to leave work behind when you close the office door!
Tammy
/ January 5, 2015Sounds like you are off doing just that right now! Enjoy.
danielle luko
/ January 3, 2015Love this post on 1/2/15. Happy New year Tammy. Time to replenish!
Tammy
/ January 5, 2015Same to you Danielle! I hope you are beginning anew.
Rukmini Roy
/ January 3, 2015Totally agree…I’d be dead without being out, once in 3 months.
Tammy
/ January 5, 2015Yes, yes, yes! and one day, my replenishment will take me to see you!
Rukmini Roy
/ January 5, 2015And I’ll wait for that trip of yours…. You know Tammy, I really want to meet all of you…would be there in a flash if i had the cash. 🙂
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015🙂
bigniche
/ January 3, 2015Hello Tammy,
Wishing you a very Happy, Creative New Year! I still can’t comment directly on your blog, thanks to some crazy WordPress glitch but I still read your words of wisdom and love that you’re out there.
Best, Cris
Tammy
/ January 5, 2015Oh, great to hear from you Cris. Love your beautiful artwork but not sure I know how to find it any longer. Can you post a link to your blog?
nrhatch
/ January 3, 2015Vacations (and sabbaticals) are an essential component of life balance for many. At work, we can become so tangled in the trees that we lose sight of the forest. Time away and time off allow us to shift our perspective to the broader view.
Tammy
/ January 5, 2015It’s a wonder that American companies have gone so far from sabbaticals – not all but most. I hope you are well and replenished for 2015!
Lisa H
/ January 3, 2015Excellent reflections, Tammy. The points you listed are especially important for those who work at home, as the lines between work and home life are increasingly blurred. As a mother who has chosen to remain at home, I have to remind myself that I, too, deserve a break and that I am always a better parent after returning refreshed from a vacation.
Tammy
/ January 5, 2015That’s right Lisa. Everyone deserves a break and it does make us better at all of it once we do!
hotlyspiced
/ January 3, 2015Happy New Year, Tammy and you have some great advice here in your refections. It’s so true that work will always be there so it’s okay to remove yourself and take a break once in a while xx
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015Gosh, I had such a nice break and now I already feel like I am ready for another! Whew!
nancy at good food matters
/ January 3, 2015Hi Tammy–to that wonderful list, I am adding Lighten. As in reflect/review, and either reuse or reject! We are downsizing this year. Time to haul stuff to the recycling bins or off to Goodwill or Habitat. (I’m taking a break from digging into an overstuffed closet right now to read your post! I am amazed at the piles…) Feeling lighter already!
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015Oh, I so need to lighten up and to feel that enlightenment! I also have an overstuffed closet.
arlingwoman
/ January 3, 2015Thanks. Good advice and nicely put together. Happy new year!
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015Happy New Year to you!
nats1mom
/ January 3, 2015Great post Tammy! Thank you and Happy New Year!
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015You are so welcome. It’s great to see that you’re back hiking again.
TP
/ January 3, 2015Thanks for the great read as usual, Tammy. You managed to hit on the exact things I’ve been struggling with as we transition into 2015. All I’ve done is work while visiting family; it might be time to schedule in some fun with friends before I leave.
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015Yes! I did do some of that and now, I feel like I need it again. Geez, these business cycles. Hope your writing is going well.
kirstenmadaus
/ January 4, 2015Happy New Year, Tammy!
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015Same to you Kirsten! Happy New Year. Hope you’re anticipating a year of good food.
hippydude
/ January 4, 2015Super advice Tammy…here’s to a healthy, prosperous and fabulous new year.
Aron
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015And to you Aron! Hope you’re cooking something yummy.
I Wilkerson
/ January 5, 2015Great post Tammy. I am a true believer in the importance of re-charging! Have a great New Year!
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015Oh good. We’re all better off when one of us is recharged!
Sophie33
/ January 7, 2015This is all great & versatile good adviseer, dear Tammy! 😀😀
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015Thanks for reading Sophie! Happy New Year.
Sophie33
/ January 11, 2015😉 xxx
Sophie33
/ January 7, 2015I meant advice! Happy 2015! 😉
sonsothunder
/ January 7, 2015No rest for the weary, unless we take the time for it.. Great advice.
thanks
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015Oh and I do get weary when I don’t take time! Good to see you.
Candace
/ January 10, 2015Happy New Year, Tammy!
Tammy
/ January 11, 2015Same to you Candace. Great to see you hear.