A short vacation, a changed mindset

I just got back from a three-day vacation that I wasn't 100% keyed up about -- mostly because I'm in the middle of a big project at work -- but I learned something: even a short break like this can be really good for my frame of mind.

Getting on the plane Thursday morning I was not looking forward to the trip. I just wanted to get my work done, but in the back of my mind I also knew that my attitude hasn't been great lately. I've been working a lot of overtime, and I've also been unhappy with the pace and effort of some of my co-workers. I felt like the weight of this project was entirely on my shoulders, and all I could do was keep working as hard and long as I can to try to get it all done.

So Thursday morning I wasn't a happy camper, but by late Friday I must have been at least 50% better. Spending time with my family I got a renewed perspective on what's important in life. Add in a lot of time in a swimming pool, two margaritas, new scenery, new restaurants, 4th of July fireworks, watching Wall-E, and playing video games, and by Saturday evening work was the farthest thing from my mind.

I know it will probably be different soon, but right now (Sunday afternoon) my head is in a much different -- and better -- place. I'm much more relaxed, and at the moment I could care less about work.

I don't feel like I'm conveying this well enough, but wow, I'm amazed at the difference in my mindset in roughly 72 hours.