The Power of Stepping Away

I gave myself 10 days (mostly) away from work this summer. I had almost forgotten what it was like to go a day without checking email, fielding phone calls, talking to students, and staring at my computer screen. I have to admit that I really liked it – I  read three novels, played with my son, saw parts of South Dakota I’ve never been to, and gave my brain a rest. I’m both happy and sad to be back at work – I feel reinvigorated and ready to tackle writing projects with end-of-summer deadlines, and I’m excited to start working with two new graduate students. At the same time, I will miss the freedom that comes with just being, instead of always being on. It is powerful to step away – more of my academic colleagues should try it!