Almost every year during the last two weeks of August, I go to my beach house in Michigan for an end of summer vacation.  It is a time that I look forward to every year.  We have lots of family and friends visit.  Since I am an all or nothing guy, I either like to work all of the time or not be on the grid at all.  So during these two weeks, I don’t use my cell, text, email, newspapers or any social media applications.  It’s the only way I can truly get away.

What does it feel like without the web, a computer and a phone?

My brain slows down.  My world gets a lot smaller. I don’t have to accomplish or acquire anything.  I can focus on the books I am reading (I read 5 in two weeks) and the people that come visit us.  We have long conversations and talk about topics that we would never have time for in a 45 minute lunch, an email or tweet.  We spend time actually preparing meals together and eating slowly.  We stop to watch the sunset.  Nature affects our lives.

It’s great not to wear long pants or even shorts with pockets since there nothing to carry with you.

All of this can do a lot to shift your perspectives.  Allow you some “mini” enlightenments.  We all need this.  When will you leave your computer and phone at home?

As I sift through my emails, there are things that I missed in the two weeks I was gone.  There are some missed business opportunities.  But what I gained?  Priceless, as they say.

More on that after I answer the 4,987 emails that were waiting for me on my return.