Returning from Vacation 8/2013
This summer, I really struggled to set aside some time and take a much-needed vacation. At the last minute, and after much hand-wringing, I made the decision to fly to Aspen, CO., and spend time with friends who have a house there.
After a long day of traveling, I finally made it to their house which sits up high on top of a mountain presenting spectacular views from way above the treetops. There is a lot to do in Aspen, hiking, biking, eating, and walking the town. People are nice there and the air is clean and crisp.
These days, with technology and remote access, you’re not very far from work. But on this trip, I made it a point to ignore business emails and calls, and just tries to relax.
I find vacations, (those more than just weekends at the beach) aside from recharging your batteries a little and reducing stress, give one hope. That’s right, I said HOPE.
By mid-week , I took on the Ute Trail, which is a steady climb up a rocky, serpentine path. Battling the altitude along the way, I finally made it to the top and sat down on a large rock formation to enjoy the magnificent view of the Aspen Valley. I was exhausted, yet I was overcome with hopefulness. Hope for my future, which is due for some dramatic changes. I felt hopeful for change in my life, and hope for future possibilities for happiness.
At my age, after spending 25 years in one industry, I know that change for me is just around the corner. I have always believed, that in life, you’re either moving forward or you’re moving backward, there is no standing still. Life won’t let you do that. So rather than just embracing change as it comes, at this point in my life, I feel it’s better to be fearless , positive and proactive. Discover your passions, and move in that direction. That’s the decision I have made. It just came to me while sitting on that rock formation, my feel dangling over the edge.
My advice…………. don’t stop making goals. Be smart, but don’t stand still. From the movie South Pacific, one line that I always use to say to my friends, and advice I rarely followed, that is, “ You eat life, or life eats you”. I finally understand that that means.
