Getting Outside

Wild flowers shooting toward the sun in Borrego Springs, California

When I'm working on a big project, I often feel like I should handcuff myself to a chair and not leave. Ever. It doesn't even matter if I'm not getting anything done. I become obsessed. I need to stare at a screen. It alleviates some anxiety. I tell myself at least I'm trying - I'm putting the effort in - but it turns out what people (husband, friends, strangers, the local barista) say might be true. It's important to leave the desk sometimes and get outside. 

Oh, so that's what sun feels like. 

So this past weekend, I got out and went to the desert. The wild flowers heard the call of spring and were in full bloom. I ate fresh local grapefruit, frolicked in the sand and hiked up to a multi-palmed oasis. There was guilt in leaving my work back at home, but I hoped that taking a break would refresh my brain and make the time I do spend at the desk more productive. 

Going back to work refreshed.

And even if it doesn't, that's okay too. The weekend was worth it!