Yes it happened again. Just like last March and the prior July, it was time for a break. Fast. You see, I'm one of those types that will run hard professionally, personally, emotionally, and physically… right up to a wall. And then realize the instant before hitting the wall that I better change course. At least I'm lucky I realize the need to swerve.
It happens quick. Last year you'll recall that I took my seemingly semi-annual Hawaii Recharging Trip on literally two hours notice. The year before it was almost long-term planning: two days. This year was about the same. Over the past weekend I started to crack a bit, and decided it was time to get out of Dodge. The complicating factor was a board meeting I had to present at in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
So I flew to Vegas and presented to my board. They knew something was up as the background of the slides in my presentation was a collection of beach scenes. Very nice, tranquil beach scenes. Then they immediately ushered me out of the meeting and put me on a plane to Hawaii. Somehow my email volume immediately goes off a cliff, so I have a sneaking suspicion that someone on the board also orders my staff to leave me alone. Sounds like a full-fledged breakdown, doesn't it?
Not really. I'm perfectly fine. I just know when I'm getting close to that point, and I know some time on a peaceful beach is the perfect cure. Sleeping with the windows open to hear the surf and the sound of the wind through the palms, the smell of ginger, hibiscus, and jasmine. Alone, by the way, which is something a lot of people don't understand. It is interesting what others say… my wife's female friends all say "why would Kevin want to go on vacation alone without you?" and all my guy friends say "how did you pull that off and can you give me the secret?" Ahh… vive la difference!
A typical day is getting up whenever, heading down for some breakfast, eating very natural, a quick run along the beach, catching up on reading while on the beach, taking a nap during the high sun hours, a dip in the pool, and a margarita or two or three while watching the sun set in the evening. Then a few hours of catching up on some of those personal projects that never seem to get done. No TV, no watch. Repeat four or five times.
Aloha may mean both hello and goodbye, but it is also a spirit. A spirit of being at one with the world, at peace and at harmony. Every now and then you have to stop and recharge your inner aloha.