Pssst, it's time to take a day off!

You almost didn't get a fresh blog post today because I had an easy excuse to take the day off. I've had an unfortunate turn of events where my uncle passed away on Sunday. I've taken a couple days off and spent yesterday in a car driving to Chicago for the funeral. It's a long trip from Minnesota, but it was quality time with my parents (who I see less now that they have a second home in Texas).

I'm taking time out of my day to write this post just to share my thoughts with you. You see, it's important that we remember what's important in our lives and not get distracted by everyday events. It often takes a tragic event, such as death, to bring us together with our extended family. Too often, several years will go by where we are so "busy" that we don't connect with the people who really matter in our lives, our family. I'm guilty of this, and you might be too.

If you're like me, you work very hard. You probably spend more time at the office than you do at home. It's easy to get caught up in work, making a living, and growing a business/career. But, this is no excuse for losing focus of what's important in your life, your family.

I had the chance tonight to spend a few hours with a cousin from Idaho. It was great to learn about the new things in her life, see her baby for the first time, and talk about the good old days. I missed several important events in her life, such as her wedding, because she lived far away and I was too busy "working" to attend. It's unfortunate that it took a tragic event to bring us back together, but I am very grateful for today.

Don't lose sight of what's important in your life and be thankful for each day. Nobody in their "final days" has ever said they wished they had spent more time at the office. Tell that special someone how much you appreciate them and take a day off from time to time. I know that I will.