I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately: traveling vs taking a vacation. In December I took a vacation to Florida for a few days to get my mind in order for the new year both for business and personal reasons. I focused on goals, thoughts, plans, and ideas for the new year and reflected on my life so far. In hindsight it was an invaluable experience but as I was experiencing that vacation, I often felt lonely or forlorn or something…I can’t quite explain. But I knew the experience was valuable and very much-needed and it all ended well. But I realized this: I’m alone a lot due to my job on the road as a sales rep. I spend a lot of alone time in a hotel. Or in a restaurant, a bar, and a car. To be on vacation alone often seemed a bit much. Yet I travel alone to faraway places all of the time! I plan the activities, the meals, the transportation, etc. and all without nary a pang of loneliness for anyone at home! But that’s different, I think. When I travel I explore. Discover. Learn. Experience. Being alone is no problem for me! Not even in the beginning. But when I vacationed in December it took me a few days to acclimate to being alone and disengaging from real life. Once I did it was good. A valuable and eventually relaxing experience. And already I can’t wait to do it again next year! And I’m looking forward to traveling in the meantime, too!