It’s a Thursday morning. I’m a bit groggy. My youngest didn’t sleep well between 2-3 am which challenged my body to return to a peaceful slumber.
I’ve had this personal plan to unplug and get away. By nature, I’m an introvert. Being with people is often a practice of necessity than of desire. I find myself recharging when I’m alone with my contemplations, a good read, and a dash of melody in the background.
Just the day before I texted a friend and asked about some Getaway cabins he had stayed at. These are trailer cabins, much like those newly popularized tiny homes. These rooms on wheels have been parked in a remote area and provide all the basics one may need. They encourage unplugging and provide an experience meant to revive the soul and help it find connection. Before I knew it, I was booked for the evening.
My amazing wife Jennifer encouraged this bout of spontaneity. I wouldn’t consider myself a planner, but even this was too last minute for my comfort. Next thing I knew I was packed and headed south east of Dallas toward my destination of Larue, TX.
A quick stop at a Starbucks halfway in my journey allowed me quick snack and time to catchup on some work and complete a quick virtual meeting. I’m absolutely in love with the flexibility of a modern work environment. If you are lucky enough to deliver your work via a device connected to the internet, find ways to explore those boundaries and free up what is possible. We are no longer confined to a specific location for a set amount of time. Don’t waste this modern gift of autonomy and access.
I arrived at my cabin just in time to checkin. Oh by the way, this whole experience has been autonomous. No need to talk to anyone or meet up with a person. Glad to have a good cell signal because I had one more team meeting before signing of for the day.
I wrapped up the meeting and decided to setup a hammock before journey out for a walk. I strolled down the main road to a walking trail. This trail lead me to a small body of water. I begin to feel myself transitioning from the rush and expectations of life to just being. Enjoying the fragrance of my environment. The smell of piney woods. The sounds. Birds in the distance to the fragile crunch of dried pine needles beneath my feet.
Dinner consisted of two offerings. A “This hot dog is soooo Gouda” was the warm up. I grilled some all beef hot dogs and warmed up the buns on a small gas grill. Cut up some Gouda slices. Assembled it all together. The combo of mustard, Gouda, and a roasted dog was an elevated experience on a classic camping staple.
Unconventionally, I made a simple ramen dish as well. I warmed up some ramen noodles and chicken bone broth in a pot until the noodles were loose and soft. I added a bit of dried blended chillies mix and a quick dash of salt to finish platting the noodles. It was a simple dish, but was good for the soul.
A quick nap in the hammock as the sun made its way to the other side of the horizon. I soon retired to the cabin where I spent the rest of the evening reading.
A quick meditation before then laying down for sleep.
Waking up in a forest is a magical experience. Being able to do so from the comfort of a queen bed was very dreamy. The mix of modern and nature is a perfectly balanced captured by this intimate room on wheels.
In a few hours I will make my way back to Dallas. I’m excited to get back and hug and see faces that I love. This place has left an impression on me. I’m inspire to find a regular rhythm to this way of life. It’s a missing part that I need to be more intentional about. Maybe a once a month or a quarter kind of thing.
If there was one take away I have from my time maybe it would be this, we were not meant to be on all the time. Turning off. Restarting. Shutting down. Are all necessary rhythms. Just as important as breathing or eating.
Make time to do nothing.
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