Lotus Yacht Club

My dad loved to travel, no matter where. 'Gone' was his favorite word, as
meaning of Florida in the winter, camping beside a babbling brook, fishing for his Boston Whaler,
heading down a road that had not explored, or more than three hours to drive to Buffalo or Cleveland
lunch - often! He enjoyed time outdoors, exploring museums and historic sites ... and
eating out. Mom did not enjoy it quite as much, but went anyway - with the exception fishing. (Well,
really liked the "eating out" part!) If Dad could find a couple of hours in your schedule anywhere
was "Disappeared". It's a life lesson my family has adopted with ease ... yours should.

There are several "pillars" of a healthy lifestyle and healthy: proper diet, exercise and get enough sleep
come to mind. Did you know that the journey is important too? In fact, is fifth in a
List of healthy life according to a recent feature on the Today Show. The real purpose of the trip is
to renew and refresh you - spirit, mind and body. Step out of your usual routine
can lower your stress level and blood pressure, increase your overall health and get a new view
for your life.

We live on a Monday through Friday world. Most of our efforts are focused on what we do, not who we are or what we experience. Weekends become a race to achieve what failed to do this Monday through Friday routine. Unless you plan for it, there is little time for rest and renewal. Travel can provide the balance we seek and perspective we need.

His travels do not have to be great. I encourage you to find one day a month, plus one weekend each quarter to make something out of your routine usual. Come on, give it a try! Here are some simple tips to get started:

1. Make a List of Life. " Write down all the things you want see, do or attempt. Be brave, be honest. Dream. Do not put a filter on the list until you have exhausted all his thoughts. Involve your family. Brainstorming. Sure that everyone has the opportunity to add their ideas. This is the place to recognize the special wishes of 'things I would do before I die. "

2. Review your list. Mark things that are fast and easy to make. Divide your choices in the things you can do now compared to those with more planning. You should end up with multiple categories - day trips, weekend excursions, holiday activities and experiences for which you need to develop new skills.

3. Start planning. What you need to do to achieve each of the items on your list? Make the easy tasks first. It will boost their enthusiasm for discuss their goals more difficult.

4. What's nearby? Open a map of your area and draw a circle, which represents about 2-3 hours away of his hometown. What is inside the circle? When have you been? What have not you seen? Each town, state or national park, historical site, museum or place celebration within that circle is a day trip feasible. For even more fun, make it a weekend get-away.

5. Being a tourist in your own hometown. Remember that while you are away on vacation, other people are traveling to your area for something new, different and exciting. Visit all places that have not seen ... or have not been for a while. The local office of the Historical Society has new displays and exhibitions, usually the season. Is there a gallery nearby art? A dude ranch? A national park? What have you thought about doing - but never on time?

6. For weekend trips, draw another circle on the map to define an area of no more than 4-6 hours away. That distance is a unit of the Friday night after work, which gives Saturday and most of Sunday to explore your chosen destination. If possible, plan your weekend around a Monday holiday - or take out Monday to extend their mini-vacation. If you are retired, just say 'Hallelujah' and stay an extra day!

7. Consider a "volunteer vacation." Aside some time during the year to focus on the needs of others. Take one day at a local cuisine. Chaperone a weekend youth groups. Be creative. Use your skills to bless others. You will be blessed and enriched as well.

Our nation as a whole, focuses on the production ... Working ... achievement. We hope a year for our annual vacation: one week, maybe two. Then it's over. And going back to work - waiting and anticipating our next vacation GRANDE ... 50 weeks long from now.

Take a lesson from the European lifestyle and a wonderful mini-vacation plan in your life. Leaving the normal routine to refresh your spirit and renew your mind. His mental and physical health to be improved. Studies show that you are more productive. Do not wait "until ..." - Children grow, home pay, retirement. My father died at 53. I am sad when I think of all trips are lost, all restaurants that does not show, and all non-fish lakes.

Life comes without guarantees. Explore the things that excite you. Do not let your vision of the world that borders the town you live - the time to play. Outside go and get well!

And remember ... life is a journey - travel first class!

For more than three decades, Ruth Seebeck and her husband, Ed, have been encouraging, coaching, mentoring and teaching friends, family, neighbors and strangers to find a more enjoyable and fulfilling lifestyle. As avid travelers, gardeners, history buffs and expert organizers, they share lifestyle tips, topics, and travel expertise at http://www.touringwithus.com or you can contact them directly by email at edandruth@touringwithus.com

St Augustine said "The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Come, turn the page with us and discover new chapters for your own life.

Boston Whaler 270 Outrage