Too often we become distracted about what will be or what has been,
at the expense of what is now.
~~~~~

Posts on this blog have addressed the power of staycations. (Like here and here.) And before “virtual” became synonymous with workplace and community meetings, I had written an article for the Florida Times-Union (August 22, 1998; appeared in the Shorelines section of the paper) about how a virtual vacation can help us appreciate what we have in front of us.

Last week, Laurie and I checked out (and checked in) for another staycation. We threw our backpacks over our shoulders and walked southward on the beach. In fifteen minutes, we arrived at our location. No valet. No lines. No lost baggage. No delays. Just smiles, ocean breezes, and sunshine.

Later that evening, while enjoying a relaxing dinner at one of the Beaches Town Center restaurants, we both noted how we did feel as though we were on vacation. Less than a mile from our home.

For those who follow my Instagram posts, you know I start most of my days appreciating the sun rising over the ocean. A mantra has evolved for me:

Rising Sun
Soothing Sand
Rolling Waves
Comfort Where I Stand

Too often we become distracted about what will be or what has been, at the expense of what is now. Dings, beeps, chimes, and earbuds draw our attention from what is in front of us.

The latest “stayca” reminded me (again) to appreciate what is in front of me. Now.

A home for thought, heart, and peace.

~~~~~

Video recommendation for the week.

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.

~~~~~

Make it a wonderful week and HTRB has needed.

You will find my latest book, Roxie Looks for Purpose Beyond the Biscuit, in
eBook ($2.99) and paperback ($9.99) format. Click here.

My dog Roxie gets top billing on the author page for this work. Without her, there would be no story. Please, check out her blog.

And you can still order:

• 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.

You can find my podcasts (all fifty episodes) here.

You will find more about me at www.stevepiscitelli.com.

©2022. Steve Piscitelli
The Growth and Resilience Network®
Atlantic Beach, Florida