Sometimes all it takes is a step back, a break from the grind, a breath from work to clear your mind to realize a few things. One of my best friends Kim Hughes, turned 40 this week, and we decided to take a trip down to Miami and Key Largo for some R&R and to celebrate this monumental birthday.

My eyes were opened on this little getaway…

Personally, I make myself busy constantly – writing programs, training people, new recipes, writing songs, meetings, running, catching up with friends… the list goes on and on.  It’s easy to get caught up in your life so much so that one day you open your eyes and realize that you’re not actually living.  I think sometimes I try to stay purposely busy with everything else so I don’t have to be alone with myself.  For it is in those moments, you have to look inside and accept all of you – the good, the bad, the ugly.  Sometimes it’s not pretty.  

Down in Key Largo (one of my favorite places on earth) I was out on the ocean and couldn’t hardly tell where the sky began and the ocean ended…  it was beautiful.  Incredible. Seeing things like that makes me realize that the creation of this earth and each of us has true purpose.  Every person we cross paths with in this life – there’s is a beautiful reason, and we should not take it for granted.

I have been lately, and because I put everything else above what was important, I almost lost something I love.  

 I came back from vacation with an open heart, mind, a want to start some things over.  I have a new sense of life and love.  I haven’t been loving enough, I haven’t been living enough…  It’s not about the money we make and how much we can pack into a day, but instead it’s about the time we spend with others, how we can lift each other up, how our lives can better other people’s, and trying to leave behind an imprint on this crazy world.  I don’t think you necessarily need a clear, blue ocean to have your heart changed (but it’s a good reason to get away). 🙂 You just have to be open enough to see the gifts you already have. 

“Everything needs a break.” 
― Toba Beta,