Unplugged in the Caribbean

I live a very blessed life. I’m still unplugged in the British Virgin Islands, relaxing, writing and getting perspective on my life. We come down here several times each year to think and just be. Funny thing is, I almost wrote that I come here to get away from the self-imposed busy-ness of life. But, how do you spell busy-ness? Would that be business? Interesting, isn’t it?

The biggest change in my life when I’m down here is that I don’t use my cell phone. When I’m home it is attached to me. Here, it’s only used if we care what time it is, and as the keeper of the tunes for the stereo system on the boat. Yes, the pace is slower here. The people seem happier too. Maybe they know something that in our busy-ness, we’ve forgotten.

I’m writing this to you from the deck of a sailboat, appropriately named Abundance. It’s about 80 degrees, with a steady warm breeze that’s playing havoc with my hair. It’s hard to see the screen in the bright sunlight, but it’s too beautiful to go below deck. There’s magic in the sound of the water slapping against the boat. Although I’m still surrounded by Jonathan and the rest of his seagull friends, there is an air of tranquility with them this morning as well. Seems they remember I fed them last night and are willing to sit quietly, until I’m ready to offer them some of my breakfast. (And then I wonder why the dinghy is cover with seagull poo)

It seems the world is able to just take a deep breath here. If ever a place signified what the sound and meaning of the word “Ahhhhhhhhhhh” would look like, this is it to me.

I don’t look at this as “vacation”, because I’m still working, I guess it’s just working from another location. Actually, I don’t think I take “vacations” in the normal sense, but then my life isn’t “normal” either. I don’t think I work either. I believe that if you love what you do and do what you love, you’ll never work another day in your life. Never! So, I’m fortunate enough to say that I don’t work. I’m doing what I love- sharing inspiration with you, and we’re created a lifestyle that allows us to do this from anywhere.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. I just read Timothy Ferriss’ book, The 4-Hour Workweek. I’m a great fan of the concept as I’ve been using some of his principles for years. According to Tim, “Being busy is a form of laziness- lazy thinking and indiscriminate action”. When I first read it, I didn’t get it. Being here, I do. Sometimes I need to step away from the busy-ness that I create to reconnect with what matters. Also, when I’m not in the middle of trees, the forest doesn’t seem nearly as large or intimidating.

Just something as simple as turning off my iphone is a huge difference for me. This has taught me that I can do that at home more too, not just here. As much as I sometimes would like to think otherwise, the world can keep turning without me spinning it. The world won’t end if I can’t be reached. Oddly enough, it’s when I can’t be reached that my inner world starts to open up.

And from that place, I’m more centered, grounded and productive- less active, but more productive. So just for today, humor me and try something different. Forward your phones to your answering service. Turn off your cell phone. Play hooky from life for just a day- even if you’re in your office- and watch how much you get done. When the mind can start to clear from the busy-ness we’ve created, easier ways of doing things will show up and your productivity will soar. Don’t think you have the time? By taking the time you’ll actually find more time! I’m accomplishing more working 2 hours a day on a boat in the Caribbean than I do in more hours in my office.

Hmmmm, you might be reading future blogs from more fun places as I keep growing and learning. Thanks for hanging in there with me. We love and appreciate your support.