CHAPTER 4Be Present
The trip from our home outside Chicago to the middle of Iowa was about a six‐hour drive. The kids had several games for the car ride, which kicked the vacation off with the right tone. The entire goal was to get connected as a family and spend time with the kids.
At the same time, I wanted to ensure our team at Essentially Proximal felt supported while we were away. It is not easy to disengage completely when you own your own business. In fact, many of the articles published on work‐life balance talk about shutting everything down while on vacation. I am a firm believer in finding the balance and supporting both for me. I get energy from work!
We pulled into H. Ives Family Farms and were greeted by Helen Ives, the farm owner's daughter. Helen had the stereotypical farmer look. She was wearing black jeans, a cowgirl hat and T‐shirt that said Be Friendly. She looked to be in her late 30s, and her dark hair was braided with a large yellow and black striped bow, reminiscent of my childhood. My husband told me she looked like Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island, but then quickly apologized with a wry grin. The reference reminded both of us that an island resort – with a spa – would have been my preferred choice for a vacation.
Gabby and Lilly jumped out of the car and said hello. I could see them wrinkle their little noses at the unfamiliar smell of the manure, ...
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