“We could go to Tricks?” Dave offered up. After having a successful meeting discussing aspects of Homecoming for our Alumni chapter, we thought it was time to relax and catch up over a good dinner.
“Nah, they’re closed.”
“What?”
“Yeah, saw their sign. It’s their annual summer break.”
Just before the meeting I made a quick walk to the bank (of course, nothing feels quick when it’s 116 degrees outside–sidenote: drenched with sweat when I arrived at the meeting). On my way back, I walked by House of Tricks, a wonderful restored home that serves really good food, and was surprised to see it empty. I hoped it wasn’t a permanent closure, another establishment fallen prey of the current economy. On the front gate, a piece of paper explained it all:
TRICKS is CLOSED for our annual summer break and will OPEN August 2nd. Sorry for the inconvenience.
I was disappointed at first, knowing that I’d probably have to share this news in our upcoming dinner brainstorm. Still, as I walked, it actually made me happy.
I have several good friends that work in the restaurant industry. As talented chefs, they work long hours, preparing amazing dinners for the patrons, but often missing out on dinner for their own family. The idea of taking a few weeks off in the summer, when the outdoor ambience of House of Tricks is likely to be used a little bit less makes such great sense. Give that time for the workers to reconnect with friends and family and come back recharged and enthused.
If you subscribed to this blog, you probably notice there wasn’t a single post in June. It wasn’t my initial intent. I thought I might keep up with some regular thoughts and ideas. However, once I got back to California, I spent more time just recharging. Work was able to truly take a break. I only did one speech and spent just a few hours one day doing necessary paperwork for others. I spent more time just being with my family and enjoying my youngest sister’s wedding. I enjoyed visiting with my extended family while they were in town. I had long lunches with good friends. I took mini-roadtrips to visit others. I just lived some life for a bit.
And then I returned to Arizona, 40 days after I left. I came back, recharged, energized. My days back have been pretty productive, booking some new engagements, and preparing for some leadership conferences. I have a bunch of new ideas to share in blog format and I’m even considering a few new stories to work into my keynotes. In my personal life, I’ve been more productive at the gym, really good about cooking great meals at home, and still finding ways to connect with good Arizona friends. I really do believe I’m coming back stronger.
So here’s my thought: It’s the middle of July. If you’re life tends to be dictated by the school year, you have just about another week or so to disconnect and recharge. I’m not saying neglect your important work, but give yourself a specific timeline to recharge. If you work a normal 9-5 day, pick one weekend and make it about recharging. Don’t make it a to-do list. Seriously, get off facebook and connect with your friends over an iced coffee. Don’t read this blog for a few days–read that novel you’ve been meaning to get to instead. Bring it back to some of these things you like about life.
Recharge.
We’ve got quite a bit of road ahead of us. In the time being, let’s take a moment to enjoy the scenery.