I’m back! It’s nice to get out of town for a week, but it’s also nice to be back. The summer is wrapping up for me, and I still have a lot that I feel I need to get done.

I know this summer has been so crazy different because of the coronavirus and how that has impacted the whole world. Regardless of your political ideologies and beliefs, this has changed how we live our lives. Places are requiring masks the same way they require shoes and clothing.

However, even with all that, it was nice to still be in it all but away from it all. I drove seven hours last Monday to go visit and spend the week with a friend. We had an awesome time, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.

Maybe in future posts, I’ll tell stories of my trip. But instead, I want to kind of talk about why I went. I’ve had a lot going on this summer. I’m technically done with college (graduation ceremony isn’t until October at least) and I have a full-time job with my degree. But I’ve had something to finish for school basically because I got screwed over. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s taken up a lot of my time this summer. I haven’t had as much time as I would have liked to relax and do fun things.

Then, obviously, the coronavirus impacted things I did this summer as well. For a while, we were on travel restrictions. Most places and fun things to do were closed. You had to order food if you didn’t want to cook because you couldn’t eat in public.

This summer didn’t go how I planned at all. I doubt that I’m alone when I say that. But you know what’s really cool about life? You can change your plans. You can start over. You can do new things. That’s really fun.

Last week, I did a whole bunch of new things. I’ve never been on a long road trip by myself before. I had never been to the place I was going. I had a really good time and made a whole bunch of memories. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed it!

My challenge to you is to find a way to get away. I know you may not be able to take a seven hour road trip to run away from your responsibilities like I did, but you can find your own. Basically, what you’re looking for is a way to shrug off your responsibilities, even for a little bit. It could be something as simple as watching a movie or going to the gym. It’s your way to unwind and relax. That’s what matters.

I know this post is different from what I have done recently, but I always try to be real and candid. Believe me, carrying around stress all the time takes a toll on you in all ways. You need to be able to not have that stress on you. Before I left for my trip, I had a ton of stress I was carrying around. Some of it was about the trip just because I plan and worry. Once I got there though, I had such a good time that I was able to release some of the stress I had been holding.

That’s what I mean about getting away. Find some ways to let go of your stress, even just for a little bit. I also find that if I can let go of it, it often gives me a better look at what is stressing me out. Then I can deal with it, make a plan to accomplish it, and not be as stressed about it.

I don’t know how you deal with stress. I know I’ve given tips before. But whatever it is, find a way to get away. It’s so important for your well-being.