The Art of Disconnecting

For those of you that know me, you are likely chuckling at this title, as you know this is not synonymous with “me.”  I’m horrible at disconnecting!

Well, I’m fresh back from a week of vacation in beautiful Lake Tahoe with my family and I must say that I did the best I’ve done of “disconnecting” for a week than I have done in my entire adult career.  Finding balance and then maintaining it is a lifelong project for most people.   And most definitely for me.

In a service business, there is an intense need to be available all the time.  My website even says that I am a 24/7 business and in some ways, that isn’t always a good thing.   It is, however, through the relationships with clients as trust partners, that you know they support your time of refreshing and replenishing.  They know you are there for them if they need you, but they value your “down time” too.

As I was crafting this article, I came across a number of suggestions, lists and tips for how to “disconnect” from a variety of articles.   While they were all great takeaways and reminders, I found myself thinking that disconnecting is personal.  What works for some, won’t necessarily work for others.   And while I didn’t master it, I did get better at it.

Here’s why my “disconnect” week had such an impact on me:

• I laughed… a lot!
• I actually read two books (A Danielle Steele book and The Five Love Languages). One to just read and get lost in, and one to do some great reflecting.
• I took naps (which is highly unusual for me)
• I ran 6 out of 7 days (How could you not with those lake views?)
• I floated in the Truckee River
• I sat on the dock with my coffee cup and took in the surrounding beauty
• I breathed in and out… a lot! Blessed to be with the people I care deeply about.

L’art de vivre is French for the art of living.  While I get that from my work and my family, my week of “disconnecting” really made me focus on enjoying so many small things that perhaps I took for granted.

I hope that my blog posts always provide a takeaway for you.  So, my challenge to you is to find “disconnect” time.  Enjoy the little things that give you joy as often as you can.  And then, smile!