On August 22, 1998, The Florida Times-Union (Shorelines) published an article of mine titled “Best Vacations Are Those At Comfortable, Easy-to-Reach Sites.”

In that article, I described a virtual vacation (a Staycation) my wife I and took right here in our hometown of Atlantic Beach, Florida.

Fast forward to 2020 and 2021 and there have been more virtual things than we had ever planned for—and the last thing many want is a virtual vacation (or virtual anything for that matter). They desire to get away, experience different locales, eateries, entertainment venues, and cultures.

As I re-read that 23-year old (!) article it reminded of the importance of appreciating our own community and what it has to offer. Whether you live in a bustling metropolis, a sleepy mountainside cabin, or on a breezy island, you probably have community treasures that make where you live a slice of paradise for you.

This past week, Laurie and I did a one-day Stayca in which we minimized our “to-do” list and slowed down to enjoy our community and each other’s company all day long. Starting with a sunrise beach walk to breakfast and ending with dinner a block off the ocean, we enjoyed a slower pace in a place we love—our community.

In the words of Jimmy Buffett,

 “The days drift by, they have no names.

 None of the streets here look the same.

There are so many quiet places

And smiling eyes to match the smiling faces.

I have found me a home. I have found me a home.

You can take the rest of everything I own.

Because I have found me a home.“

(“I Have Found Me A Home.” 1973)

May you be able to appreciate the nooks and crannies of your community this coming week-and beyond.

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Video Recommendation for the Week:

I shot this video in 2014 when Laurie and I returned from another Stayca in Atlantic Beach, Florida. (Note: I added captions as the wind noise created some difficulties for the audio.)

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Make it a great week and HTRB has needed.

My latest book can be found in
eBook ($2.99) and paperback ($9.99) format. Click here.

Roxie Looks for Purpose Beyond the Biscuit.

Well, actually, my dog Roxie gets top billing on the author page for this work. Without her, there would be no story.

Click here for more information about the book. In the meantime, check out her blog.

And you can still order and enjoy:

• Community as a Safe Place to Land (2019, print and e-book). Available on Amazon. More information (including seven free podcast episodes that spotlight the seven core values highlighted in the book) at the above link.
• Stories about Teaching: No Need to be an Island (2017, print and e-book). Available on Amazon. One college’s new faculty onboarding program uses the scenarios in this book. Contact me if you and your team are interested in doing the same. The accompanying videos (see the link above) would serve to stimulate community-building conversations at the beginning of a meeting.

My podcasts (all 50 episodes) can be found here.

You will find more about what I do at www.stevepiscitelli.com.

©2021. Steve Piscitelli
The Growth and Resilience Network®