5 Things I Learned...

My brief respite in between jobs is just about over.  Here's a few thoughts while my brain is still in "vacation mode".

1. Recreation is what you make it
The photo that goes with this post was taken at Starved Rock state park near Utica IL. It's one of the natural waterfalls that are situated through the numerous sandstone canyons throughout the park. We took the photo on our second trip there (I'm the small black speck near the orange and blue specs over to the left). Our first trip was short lived due to both boys getting really sick. But I learned an important lesson in all this. By choosing a destination only two hours away, we were able to re-visit and pick up where we left off.  If life is in beta, so is recreation. And though we weren't far from Chicago we might as well have been exploring the forests and caverns of South America.  A little imagination and a lot of relaxation can go a long way if you let it. 

2. Live in the moment
Today I dropped what I was doing and had a watergun fight with the boys. They won. Life's too short to hesitate. Live in the moment and take some water on the chin every now and then...

3. Take pictures
We took some pictures and video. We didn't overdo it. But I'm not the most proactive at taking pictures when having fun. Probably because I like "living in the moment". But occasionally you gotta capture those moments. You won't regret it.

4. Savor everything
Sometimes simple meals like Fish-n-Chips and a slab of ribs can be gourmet experiences when the setting and company is right. We had some great meals in good company while overlooking wonderful scenery.

5. Be spontaneous
One of my favorite moments was sharing a motorbike ride with my wife. She usually shuns doing this with me for safety reasons which I totally understand. But one afternoon she surprised me with the idea of hopping on the bike. So we rode off a couple of towns over, dined outdoors and rode back. It was an unexpected treat and one I won't forget.

OK, I think I'm ready for work now.  :)

Comments

[Valeria Maltoni]

Yes, I borrowed a quote from one of the coordinators for Fast Company readers' network in Vancouver, Canada: "This community relies on collaboration. Your experience depends on what you make of this environment. Just like life."

It applies to blogs, too.

[Ryan Karpeles]

Glad to hear you had some awesome experiences. Starved Rock is a really cool place to go with family. Just goes to show that you don't have to fly across the world and blow tons of money to enjoy this life. Often times, the people and the environment are what make it truly special.

Thanks for sharing, David.

[Lewis Green]

David,

Today is the first day on your new job. How exciting! First days are always great.

I love this post. Words to live by. Thank you for sharing.

[Dawud Miracle]

Savor everything...so true.

Some of my best memories (other than the day I met my wife and the birth of my kids - and no one is making me say that) happened over a luke-warm meal after a long, strenuous hike, tired, a bit chilled, five days out into the wilderness. Little can be more raw - and more alive.