Hooray for the unofficial start to summer!

It’s hard to believe the unofficial kickoff of the summer of 2018 has come and gone. I hope everyone enjoyed a Happy Memorial Day and the rain that affected so many people didn’t put too much of a damper on your holiday fun.

My normal Motivation Monday post was delayed by a day thanks to the holiday and thanks to the fact that I spent the day returning from a five-day escape from reality in Grand Cayman. I’m happy to report that escape was 100 percent successful because of three powerful reasons:

1. No laptop, no problem: Yes, I actually shut down my Mac and left it home. I haven’t done that in years. Don’t get me wrong. I am well aware the reality of disconnecting for one day – let alone several- is a luxury most of us can’t afford more than maybe once a decade if we’re lucky. And thanks to smart phones and other advances in technology, most of us are expected to be available 24/7. I just happened to be in between projects. So I was able to check email on my iPhone a couple of times a day and live without Microsoft word for a bit longer than usual. (Of course, James did have his computer which I always could have used in an “emergency.”)
2. 

   Swimming with Sting Rays: One of My Very Few Workouts on Vacation!

   Social media shut down:  I did cave once after posting a bye-bye photo at the airport last Tuesday morning. However, aside from that one slip, there were no worries about taking a post-worthy selfie or cute couples shot for the remainder of the trip. We took photos when we felt like it and it didn’t matter if we missed capturing an image of each and every frozen drink or delicious seafood dinner. What did matter was spending quality time with one of the people who keeps me grounded even on the busiest or most difficult days living in the concrete jungle of New York City – my fiance, James.

3. Multiple rest days: I only made it to the fitness center once. Do I feel guilty about it? A little. However, the long walks along Seven Mile Beach were a welcome change to my usual Tabata training and extended cardio sessions. I can honestly say my body feels better after the rest and I am confident my muscles are ready to tackle the kickboxing and barre classes I have planned for the week ahead.

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

So now that the “lazy days of summer” have unofficially arrived, I guess this is my way of encouraging everyone to truly engage in the memorable moments as they happen. Enjoy catching up with family and friends by talking – not texting – at a barbecue or backyard party; savor the sight of a sunrise or sunset and try to find 10, 20 or dare I say 30 minutes to disconnect whenever possible. The emails, texts and all those social media channels will be waiting for you when you’re ready to tune back in. Remember, slowing down can be a powerful tool when it comes to staying on track with your goals to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!