What time away helps us remember…

Published 6 days ago • 1 min read

Shenandoah River, tree turning red in fall, two turtles sitting on log

Sometimes it takes a few days away from our daily routine to remember how much we miss when we’re moving too fast.

And yes, I help people slow down and unplug, and even I need reminders like this too.

This weekend I’ve been in West Virginia with friends, soaking up time in nature. I’ve noticed the river. The turtles. The one tree turning colors…yes, only one!

I’ve also noticed how our conversations went deeper than expected. How a random game at the house we stayed in led to lots of laughter that carried into the next day…even on our steep climbs.

Of course, maybe the laughing is what kept us going up the trail. 🤷🏼‍♀️

And yes, I noticed some scrolling on our phones too while we were all together. We actually had a conversation about it (and no, I wasn’t the one who brought it up!)…how we went away together and yet still found ourselves scrolling, gaming, checking in on our devices.

All of this noticing led me to think about how different it feels to actually be where you are — and with the people you’re with.

Not just occupying the same space as the trees, the river, the trail, or the people.

But being a little more available to what’s right in front of you. A little more here. A little more present.

Maybe that’s one of the things time away from our daily routines gives us.

A reminder of what it feels like to actually be where we are.

In the conversation. On the walk. With the person sitting across from us.

And maybe some of that can come home with us and live in our everyday lives.

Until next week….

Sending love and presence vibes,

Chris

Sundays Unplugged is your weekly reminder to slow down and create space for you. Remember, while your work, your people, and your life matters… so do you.

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