What I Learned on Vacation, or, Thoughts for 2010
I was asked to post something that I had thought about during vakay… so I came up with this:
The one thing they don’t teach you in school is that when you’re out of school, there’s no such thing as a Christmas vacation… at least not the two week kind. Which is exactly why I upped my nose at the real world, co-founded my own business and set out on a venture that let me plan my own schedule that has very little to do with 9-5. Hence the reason that I actually had a Christmas vacation.
That vacation kicked off with a four day backcountry snowshoe trip, during which I had a lot of time to think (you’re forced to come up with inspiring thoughts when you’re sludging through pouring rain and ice). 2009 was a year filled with many negatives — recession, climate change, reality shows — but the goal is of course to pull ourselves from the ashes and hit the new decade with a renewed sense of energy. So from the snowy slopes of backcountry snowshoes trails, here are my life conclusions that I’m taking into 2010.
1. Spend more time outside, and drag someone else along while you’re at it. Taking off on a four day backcountry adventure seemed like no big deal. Why? Because I grew up with a father that encouraged and inspired outdoor pursuits at an early age. Take a child, a cousin, a friend — hell, even an enemy — on an outdoor adventure and see where it takes them. We could all use a little more fresh air in our lives.
2. Watch at least one sunset and one sunrise every week. Experiencing this fantastic part of the daily natural rhythm is inspiring. And it doesn’t cost anything. (P.S. That’s my 62 year-old mother doing a Christmas Day warrior on a very rocky beach…)
3. Make time to be creative. Time away from your computer is time well spent, and the longer I am away from the screen the more ideas I come up with for new projects and endeavors. Take 5 minutes a day to sit down and be inspired.
4. Eat well. After four days of a diet that consisted of freeze-dried delectables, I was reminded once again that what we put in our bodies is of the utmost importance. To get Pollanesque: “Eat Food. Not Much. Mostly Plants.” (I will admit to downing some delicious Camembert and salami while on the trail however, which reminded me of another important life choice: invest time in making good picnics and eating outdoors.)
5. Donate time, money, etc. to organizations that are making the world a better place. Big or small, international or local, there are so many great causes out there that are making positive change. The trails and hut system that made my snowshoeing trip a blast were all groomed and maintained by a small organization that’s pretty much run on volunteers that are committed to maintaining natural spaces so more people can get out and enjoy them. That’s worth supporting. Find a cause you love (or several) and support it in whatever way you can.
That’s all. Short and sweet. They’re not resolutions, just a couple of ideas that I think we can all stick to in the next decade.
blog.annabrones.com 
Very inspiring plans for 2010! I’ve tired to follow a similar style of life for many years now and it’s uplifting to body and spirit!
60 years young, retired and loving it!
maryblu
December 30, 2009 at 08:57
EXCELLENT!! 😀
Parker
December 30, 2009 at 09:07
Thank you for all the positive energy.
We need to keep the focus on all that is true and good in this world.
Simple pleasures and helping others tops the list.
Happy New Year and thank you for sharing!
tutoringmatch
December 30, 2009 at 09:32
Solid life conclusions! Wishing you the very best in 2010.
geotraveler
December 30, 2009 at 09:45
best advice I’ve heard in a long, long time…thanks for posting; I definitely want to make this a part of my routine for 2010! 🙂
littlemarie
December 30, 2009 at 10:00
very insightful! i especially have begun to appreciate and take your insights to heart over this last year. i completely agree with you that watching a sunrise or sunset atleast once a week is most definitely inspiring! and, yes, pull yourself away from the computer as often as possible in order to allow those creative juices flow!
cheers to 2010!!!! may you live long, and prosper!
Tri
December 30, 2009 at 10:28
Good Suggestions. I like to see the sunrise compared to sunset, I feel its like bringing new ideas and hope in life. Both are a way to keep ourselves away from daily routine and take time time for ourselves/family.
janilink
December 30, 2009 at 10:36
Great lessons. I’m working on the outdoors one, myself!
methesnake
December 30, 2009 at 11:02
Good plans and I wish you God’s protection while you venture on them. Happy New Year.
WiseJamaican
December 30, 2009 at 11:04
Loved this — and the photos are gorgeous!
I especially loved your last suggestion, as it’s my New Year’s resolution, and new blog —
whatgives365 at wordpress — I’ll be giving away $100/day to organizations and people who are doing things to improve the world. I can’t wait!!
Best of everything in 2010!!!
Betty
Betty Londergan
December 30, 2009 at 11:05
Excellent! We especially neglect the being outdoor things; even kids are rarely seen outdoors these days. It’s that darned screen.
lifeaftereighty
December 30, 2009 at 12:29
Thought-provoking post. I admire you for starting your own business so that you can focus on what is important.
Slamdunk
December 30, 2009 at 12:52
Very Inspiring, thanks for sharing such good and positive energy!
Alexndra
December 30, 2009 at 14:06
I enjoyed all of your life conclusions and agree wholeheartedly with all of them, especially the Make Time to be Creative and Donate Money, Time, etc to orgnaizations that make a difference. Best wishes for the upcoming new year. It’s going to be a good one!
Kimberly Aardal
December 31, 2009 at 10:11
Great suggestions. I am offering my services to be the person you drag outdoors be it for an adventure or a picnic!
Rachel
December 31, 2009 at 14:38
[…] Go see what Anna Brones said, in five short, concise points — like these first two: 1. Spend more time outside, and drag someone else along while you’re at it. Taking off on a four day backcountry adventure seemed like no big deal. Why? Because I grew up with a father that encouraged and inspired outdoor pursuits at an early age. Take a child, a cousin, a friend — hell, even an enemy — on an outdoor adventure and see where it takes them. We could all use a little more fresh air in our lives. […]
New Year’s resolutions « Millard Fillmore’s Bathtub
December 31, 2009 at 21:36