After a full week in paradise – YES, I took it ALL off, the full entire week. It was pure heaven, but was that ever hard for “me” to do. I have trouble taking a day off, let alone a full week.

I’m sure many of you are reading this thinking, so what? She took an entire week off from work, what’s the big deal?

A self proclaimed work-aholic, taking a back seat from work isn’t an easy task. My type “A” personality makes it very difficult to sit and do nothing for any extended period let alone for 7 full days.

I rarely sit down for two minutes, even to read or watch TV. I am a constant buzz of activity, always on the phone, planning something or just running around doing this or that. I thrive on being busy, multi-tasking and am pretty much non-stop until my head hits the pillow.

But not this past week. I did practically nothing. Just like a Seinfeld episode - my vacation was about doing nothing. No big trips, no big events AND I took an entire week off!

Of course there were trips to Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola for delicious treats, Soccer Camp for my daughter and then some “just hanging” out in the California sunshine reading magazines and gardening.

I admit that I did sneak in a work call and email here and there, but I resisted the strong urge to do more than that for an entire week.

It’s really nice to take a little break once in while and reflect on our life, goals and purpose. It makes us better in our day to day career. We are more successful when we allow ourselves that down time.

Starting Monday, I’m open again for business.

I will be making a zillion call backs and will make a grand attempt to answer the influx of emails that have been left unanswered in my in-box. I’m sure a few HOT action items will crop up and detour me a bit but I’ll stay on course and get it all done.

BUT this time I will take time to stop and smell the roses. Keeping the work life balance is in the forefront once again. It’s amazing how a short hiatus can give you that energy and empowerment you need to be successful in your career. It helps us stay on course.

So please tell me, how is your work going? Are you taking the time needed to refresh your mind? I’d really love to hear here.