There once was an author who forgot how to live without her laptop. She began to feel like she needed to have it with her all the time…just in case. And that small laptop became a weight that reminded her all the time what she SHOULD be doing.
Then this author realized she was exceptionally bad at taking a break. Even when she traveled overseas she had a job: teaching in study abroad, giving a presentation at a conference, or leading a group of young adults.
Late last month, she made a last minute decision to leave that laptop behind…
and she exhaled…
At one of her favorite escapes…
With some of her favorite people.
However, she did have her phone, so she played with Instagram reels. Her family loves riding their bikes around the island — it’s 8.2 miles. That became this fun reel (Is it fun if she calls it fun?):
After two days on the island as a family, (there were just a few of them!)…
Everyone went their separate ways. Three cars went across the bridge to the Upper Peninsula and then down into Wisconsin and beyond, while the last car continued home to Indiana. On the way that car stopped at Sleeping Bear Dunes, where the author took these photos.
When she arrived home, she was ready to get back to work, refreshed from a week away. Now her hope is to remember the joy of a real break from work.
I know you’ve guessed the author is me. Do you find it hard to walk away from work too? What do you do to better manage that? And because I can’t take you with me to Mackinac Island, I want to giveaway a couple copies of the ebook I wrote that’s set on the island. Consider it a vacation in a book. You can learn more about Deadly Secrets on Mackinac Island here.
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So glad you were able to visit the island with family. We honeymooned there three decades ago and loved the slower pace.
What a beautiful post. A lovely vacation had by all. I’m sure many memories were made. It is sometimes hard to get away. But so refreshing when the opportunity presents itself.
Hey Cara,
Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! It’s amazing timing as we’re getting ready to head on vacation and it will be the first time in as long as I can remember that I won’t be working in anyway.
What a great getaway, Cara! I’m so glad you were able to unplug for a while. It never ceases to amaze me how much you accomplish between teaching, writing, and family. It’s good to have a Sabbath every now and then.
BTW – I just started Lethal Intent and I’m really enjoying it!
I’m a homebody and sometimes it’s a struggle to make myself get up and do what needs to be done. I’d rather be reading. Your trip sounds like a special way to refresh.
Wonderful! Both unplugging (good for you!) and going to such a lovely location with loved ones. Now I have a new place on my bucket list. Wow. Just gorgeous.
What a delightful post, Cara! So glad you had special time with family – – a real break with NO work! 🙂
Thanks for sharing with us!
Hugs, Patti Jo
It looks lovely!
I found your post inspiring. I always take my laptop with me. And I stow my iPad in the laptop bag.
I’ve never visited Mackinac Island but would love to go there.
So glad you took a real break. I have often wondered how you manage. You always seem to be working. Writing, teaching, taking care of your household … and always with a smile. You must the the human version of the Energizer Bunny and I’m certain his battery needed to recharge occasionally.
I often thought that I would like to see the Great Lakes and explore Mackinac Island. Thank you for sharing.
I love Mackinac Island!! Great pictures of a good time together!!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
So happy to hear that you had a wonderful vacation with family and away from work! I struggle to let go of work too, it seems like there’s always something I should be doing and I never seem to just enjoy doing an activity for myself that I enjoy. I’m working on changing that though. Thanks for your post!
I can leave the work behind! I need something to read with me though!