Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a conference in California. Like many business trips, the schedule was full, and I had a red-eye flight home—not exactly my favorite way to travel!

But before heading back, I carved out a little time for myself.

After doing a bit of research, I found a couple of wineries nearby, arranged for someone else to do the driving, and spent an afternoon exploring beautiful vineyards, enjoying a wonderful lunch, and soaking in some breathtaking scenery.

It wasn't a long vacation.

It wasn't extravagant.

But it was exactly what I needed.

Sometimes We Need to Pause Before We Push Forward

As I traveled through winding roads lined with vineyards and rolling hills, I noticed something that doesn't happen often enough.

I was completely present.

I wasn't thinking about my inbox.

I wasn't mentally organizing my to-do list.

I wasn't worrying about everything waiting for me when I got home.

For a few hours, I simply enjoyed where I was.

And when I returned home, something interesting happened.

I felt refreshed.

Recharged.

Ready to dive back into my work with renewed energy.

That's the power of being fully present.

Our Culture Celebrates Constant Productivity

We live in a world that encourages us to keep moving.

Set another goal.

Hit another milestone.

Cross another task off the list.

There's always another email to answer, another project to finish, another opportunity to chase.

While ambition certainly has its place, it can also convince us that rest is something we have to earn.

The truth is, rest isn't the reward for productivity.

It's one of the reasons productivity is sustainable in the first place.

If we don’t stop to recharge, we eventually find that we are running on empty.

Presence Is an Investment

Taking time to recharge isn't about escaping your responsibilities.

It's about returning to them with more energy, creativity, and clarity.

Sometimes that looks like a weekend away.

Sometimes it's a walk outside.

Sometimes it's dinner with friends, listening to live music, hiking a favorite trail, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of coffee.

The activity itself isn't what matters most.

What matters is allowing yourself to be fully engaged in the moment instead of constantly thinking about what's next.

I'm Looking Forward to My Annual Reset

In a few weeks, I'll be heading to Vermont for my annual two-week vacation.

It's become one of my favorite traditions because it gives me the opportunity to reconnect with the things that bring me joy.

I'll be playing volleyball and pickleball, hiking, enjoying great food, listening to live music, spending time with my son, and catching up with dear friends.

Will I completely disappear from work?

Not entirely.

You'll probably still see me pop in once or twice.

But my focus will be exactly where it needs to be—on recharging so I can return ready for whatever comes next.

Make Space for Joy

It's easy to believe that taking time away means falling behind.

In my experience, the opposite is usually true.

The moments when we're fully present often become the moments that fuel everything else we want to accomplish.

So this week, ask yourself:

When was the last time you allowed yourself to be completely present?

Not multitasking.

Not planning tomorrow.

Just enjoying today.

Your business will still be there.

Your to-do list will still be waiting.

But you'll return to them with a clearer mind and a fuller heart.

As always, what I hope for you is that you live a life you love without giving up the things that bring you joy.