Ever looked at the clock and wonder, “Where did the time go?” Sometimes I think 24 hours in a day isn’t enough! Most days I get started before the sun comes up. By noon, I’m moving at record speed through my to-do list. I squeeze in phone call meetings on the way to other meetings. I check email while my girls do homework.

It’s easy with our busy schedules to think there is no time left for fun but that is EXACTLY why it’s important! I am a big believer in Work Hard, Play Harder. After all, what are you working for if you don’t take time to enjoy the people you love?

I took my husband on a recent work trip to San Francisco. It was a great chance for us to spend some time together since he stays so busy with work too. We were going to return home on Friday but decided to give ourselves an extra day just to play. It was so worth it!

We put aside our lists, tucked our work worries away and promised to spend one day exploring the beautiful city with no regrets.

We laughed.  We connected. 

We were like two little kids with a day off from school.

When we finally made it we were so excited!

We biked over 20 miles over the Golden Gate Bridge to have lunch in Sausalito.

Then we rode back! As I rode my bike, feeling the fresh air and sun on my face, I noticed there were a lot of police officers gathered ahead. As we got closer, it became clear what was happening. The officers were trying to talk a ‘jumper’ down. I felt instantly sad that this is what life had come down to for this person. What could have led this man to be at the top of the golden gate bridge ready to jump to his death? I said a prayer that he would be able to believe in a different ending. I also spent time reflecting on how important is it to be KIND and CARE for one another. You never know when someone is having a bad day or year and a kind word or smile can shift their mindset.

In the same moment,  I felt incredibly grateful for the being able to be there with my husband after a productive week. My hubby and I are both  driven and work hard so it’s easy to become isolated and not put each other first. Taking a day to act ‘silly’ will do wonders for a marriage. I believe in ‘dating’ your spouse. Trips like this help us regroup and reset our priorities. Even if you can’t take a trip, consider taking a half-day off work and just exploring your own city with your spouse or loved one.

That self-imposed break was just what we needed to power through the next busy week. So work hard this week, then remember to take some time and play harder. You’ll be glad you did!