Today, I am working from the beach.

The sun is warm on my back, favoring the right side of my body. The wind is strong, blowing from my back the opposite way. Part of my back warm, the other cool. Even in this, there is harmony.

I’ve already dipped in the Caribbean Ocean; the water is the perfect temperature. The day hasn’t picked up just yet, and already I’m here for it. I am ready to go. I do not have any definitive plans other than to write this blog and eventually get to a keep boutique I saw on my way into the city. Today it is more go with the flow.

I am not worried about SEO or structure. I am writing for me. This is the part of my routine I choose to keep. And on this peaceful morning away from my usual hustle and grind of a workday, I intend to model the ocean in front of me. Quiet, yet still moving, calm and collected, vast and multidimensional.

Today is my last full day on this beautiful, happy island of Aruba, and I want to get back to soaking it up. If you had asked me two weeks ago about being here, I would’ve thought you were nuts! There was too much work to do and not enough hours in the day to do.

How could I possibly take a break when there are deadlines and goals I still want to meet. It almost seemed lazy of me even to consider the idea of taking off. For most people, the holidays are a time to unwind a bit. For me, it is usually a time to catch up on everything I often cannot. Now that other people are on break, I won’t be pulled in different directions while they’re off or away.

But the more I thought about it, the more I saw that I was doing a disservice to myself. Because when everyone else comes back rested and full of energy, I feel burnt out. I am annoyed those same people have so much energy, and I’ve been grinding nonstop. And that’s not fair because it is my fault.

Life will go on, and things will continue if you take a break. For me, I couldn’t take a break completely, so I decided to change my scene. I am scheduling a time to work remotely and time to relax. It is possible, and your body and mind will thank you.

So, I pray you a great day and a productive holiday season. I know some things are far too important to drop, and time off is a luxury for some. Even if you cannot get away, find your beach where you are– a place to inspire you to come from a different angle. It can be the new coffee shop, the conference room in your office, the kitchen instead of your room.

And just like the day, make it yours! Working from the beach is what you make it.

Content courtesy of  Amanda Reese, Founder of  Blueprint Concepts, an experience-focused marketing firm that provides growth strategy to entrepreneurs and creatives.

CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR, AMANDA REESE

As Blueprint Concept’s chief consultant, Amanda does more than drumming on a keyboard. With more than 6+ years of experience in marketing and branding, she’s obsessed with new innovative storytelling and curating experiences to go along with them. When she’s not empowering women and small businesses to be differentiators, she is exploring health and wellness (or watching reruns of The Office). Throughout her career, Amanda has worked with many industries including — education to entertainment, and sports to nonprofits.

Amanda also writes for the So Selfish Blog, and you can follow her @theamandacheri, @theblueprintconcepts and check her out her Facebook & Twitter.