Presence & Perspective: Insights from Summer Travels

At the end of July I did something I hadn’t done in years. Even when my daughter was born I was back to work two weeks later because I owned my own business, so stepping away from the constant pace felt new. This time I headed out west with my family. It wasn’t a working holiday; it was time to be fully present, to sleep past sunrise, hike until my legs ached and laugh around a campfire without worrying who might need me online. The result was a trip packed with adventure and reflection that reminded me how important it is to unplug and recharge. With her turning ten, I wanted quality focused time together and thought about my own childhood family trips and how formative they were. I loved hearing her laugh and tell me how much fun she was having.

Lessons From the Road

• Being truly present: Being truly present takes intentional effort when your business and leadership roles always have you “on.” My family and I took a road‑trip adventure from California to Idaho to visit family and see the West. The long drive allowed us to watch the sun set over the Pacific and wake up in a tent in Yosemite National Park. It reminded me that quality time isn’t measured by emails sent but by eye contact, shared meals and conversations. Focusing on my surroundings instead of notifications helped me reconnect with my family and myself.
• Nature’s perspective: We spent so much time in nature from wandering through ancient redwoods and marveled at Yosemite’s granite cliffs, where every turn reveals a view that leaves you in awe. Hiking, camping, biking and tubing down rivers showed me the scale and beauty of the natural world and also the devastation left by fires, which underscored both our impact on the environment and the resilience of these ecosystems. It’s easy to get lost in strategy decks and business metrics, but standing under 300‑foot trees puts everything back into context.
• Balancing rest and activity: We explored caves, took in a baseball game, relaxed in hot springs, ate too much ice cream and had a bonfire on the beach. Yet I also caught up on sleep, took time to read and let my mind wander. I discovered that my best ideas come when I’m rested and have space to think. The balance between rest and action fueled both my energy and creativity.
  
  

Reconnecting With Identity
This time away gave me space to rediscover parts of myself that get crowded out by daily responsibilities. I played music again, sketched in my journal and simply observed the world around me. It reminded me that my identity is not limited to my job title; many leaders struggle with this. The trip reinforced that we all have stories worth telling beyond our work.

It also gave me the chance to deepen my roles as a mom, partner, sister, and friend. I spent unhurried days with my daughter, truly connecting and discovering more about who she is. I cherished precious time with my partner, my sister, my brother-in-law, and other family members. The distance from daily work made me appreciate even more the impact we create at Brilliance Unleashed and the community we’ve built. Stepping back refreshed my perspective and reignited my passion. I’m also excited to start a new role in September, while continuing my work at Brilliance Unleashed, and I look forward to sharing more as this new chapter unfolds.

A Few Highlights 
It was impossible to choose favorites, but here are a few moments that capture the spirit of the trip:

• Bonfire on the beach with the ocean roaring in the background – a perfect blend of calm and wild.
• Towering redwoods in California, where the scale defies description.
• Yosemite’s awe‑inspiring vistas, each one making us stop and simply breathe it in.
• Tubing down a Bosie river, laughing as we drifted along, relaxing and jumping into the water.
• Idaho hot springs, reminding us of the earth’s hidden beauty and power.

Whether you’re a business owner, leader or team member, I challenge you to schedule your own “presence break.” It doesn’t have to be a cross‑country road trip; even an unplugged weekend can remind you why you do what you do. Recharging isn’t indulgent – it’s essential.

What about you? Have you taken time off that reshaped how you see your work and life? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments. 

Thank you for being part of this community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead, to learn and to grow together. Until next time, stay present and keep unleashing your brilliance.