I look forward to vacation every year.  Sometimes it’s the only thing that gets me through to drudgery of everyday life.  Get up, go to work, come home, go to bed, repeat. Maybe that’s why I like planning vacations so much.  It lets my imagination run free as I think about the times to come.  Before I retired from teaching music, the only way for me to get my mind of my work was to leave town.  The next concert/performance was always at the front of my mind.  My kids and/or wife wanted my attention, but it was hard to give it to them because there was always some band related issue I needed to handle.

By going out of town, I could finally focus my attention on my family and enjoy my time with them without the distractions of work-related concerns. Even if work thoughts crossed my mind, I couldn’t do anything about it, so it easily slipped away from my attention. That single factor made the getaway worth it.  

It did not need to be a major trip either.  Just getting away made it easier to give the family my attention.  The trip could be as simple as an overnight trip to Mammoth Cave or as major as weeklong cruise.  Either way, the break was very much appreciated.  It helped us strengthen family bonds and gave us an opportunity to spend time with each other outside of our normal environment.  

So, make sure you take time to get away and spend time with your loved ones.  Share new adventures and cherish the time together while you get to know each other on a different level.