2012 Perspective – Two Weeks with No Computer
I just came back from a two week vacation with NO computer.
I usually spend around 50 hours a week on a computer and I earn the bulk of my income in and around my computer so this was a BIG deal!
I had a two week summer (in New Zealand) holiday with my family at a stunning Alpine Lake with numerous boats and watercraft. We swam, sailed, rowed, motor-boated, jumped off jetties – and then did it all over again.
And I agree with one of my favorite authors and two of my favorite characters:
`This has been a wonderful day!’ said Mole, as the Rat shoved off and took to the sculls again. `Do you know, I`ve never been in a boat before in all my life.’
`What?’ cried the Rat, open-mouthed: `Never been in a–you never–well I–what have you been doing, then?’
`Is it so nice as all that?’ asked the Mole shyly, though he was quite prepared to believe it as he leant back in his seat and surveyed the cushions, the oars, the rowlocks, and all the fascinating fittings, and felt the boat sway lightly under him.
`Nice? It’s the ONLY thing,’ said the Water Rat solemnly, as he leant forward for his stroke. `Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING–absolute nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing,’ he went on dreamily: `messing–about–in–boats; messing—-’
From “Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame.
So getting away from my computer and my office and my office phone has given me some perspective on life and how we often live it:
1. I think perhaps I (we) risk taking myself (ourselves) and my (our) endevors a bit too seriously. The lakes, the sunshine, the native birds, the world at large – doesn’t care about our triumphs and failures. Perhaps we therefore should not care as much as we do. Certianly not our failures.
2. Life goes on just fine if we do not reply to emails within 24 hours (or 124 hours).
3. People understand that you need to get away sometimes – and they will let you, in fact they will be happy for you!
4. You cannot get a good perspective on your life when you are buried in the middle of it. So it is critical to get away – to think, to pray, and to re-charge.
5. Life is about family, friends, faith, time, head-space and balance. I already knew that, but it was good to get a reminder.
6. On reflecting on 2011, I am reminded about a great truth from Zig Ziglar:
“You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.”
This is perhaps one of the great keys in life. In 2012 I need to be more focussed on actively helping my friends, my customers, my clients, my website subscibers etc succeed and help them to move ever forward towards a wonderful life for themselves and those people around them.
If you are reading this, then you fit into that category. So please tell me how I can help you in 2012.
Add a comment or ask a question below.
All the very best for a fantastic year.
Oli Hille
I couldn’t agree more! You are one of the most generous souls I know. Thank you!
Thank you Virlane.
It is the simple pleasures that we are living for. Thanks for sharing. I’v never been to New Zealand but it reminds me of BC.
Thank you Viviann.
Oli
What a beautiful picture Oli! New Zealand is outstanding!!! Is persons like you Oli, who find the time to share such meaningful life experiences with others. Thanks for reminding us of the importance of taking time to rest completely away from distractions and enjoying loved ones to the full!!!