Reflection and Renewal

As I prepare to go on vacation next week, half-way around the globe (or more) to South Africa, it dawns on me that as Tom Friedman advises, “the world is flat” and technologically I could certainly take my office with me on vacation – not the people or the furniture, but the work itself. But then it also dawns on me that if the world is flat and I can connect from anywhere in the world, then isn’t the converse of that equally true? Isn’t it possible for me to disconnect without traveling anywhere? Couldn’t I, shouldn’t I be able to disconnect occasionally on a weekend at home? I’ll let you know the answer to that when I return.

Sidebar: In a mixed metaphor sort of way with a round globe and a flat world, wondering if there truly is a dawn (or dusk) and whether our horizons are simply determined by the strength of our vision.

Actually, I’m not taking a vacation from the people or the furniture…I’m not taking a vacation from anything. I’ll be headed toward a little “R & R,” which for me means reflection and renewal. I understand and am encouraged by others that this does mean disconnecting technologically. The good news is that my taking a vacation means that others get a mini stay-at-home, stay-in-the-office vacation without the emails, projects, ideas, and “opportunities” that I tend to generate in my excitement. Although, theoretically of course, I could return all reflected and renewed with some new dreams…and new plans…

Please note that I will be having a surprise “guest blogger” for one of the weeks that I am away, so look for that. I think you’ll find it intellectually simulating, insightful, and interesting.

black·ber·ry
Pronunciation [blak-ber-ee, -buh-ree] –noun, plural –ries
The fruit, black or very dark purple when ripe, of certain species of the genus Rubus