Quantum Storytelling

I have returned from Minnesota. Time away from ordinary life always has a huge impact on me. This time was no different. After spending a week in Minnesota I’ve come to a single, absolute conclusion; Vacations are important. I know I’ve blogged about this kind of thing before, but I can’t state it enough.

We all need time away from our work and our lives. Without it, we will never gain any new perspectives. Distance from life and work mentally detaches you from it, lets your mind focus on and enjoy other things, and when you return to your life and work you will see opportunities that you did not see before.

To think if you hadn’t taken the break, you’d not have seen those opportunities to do and experience more in the same old life you were living before, or on the same story.

I have to admit that I did sneak in the tiniest bit of work on my story while I was away. I have a scene that takes place in Vietnam. My father is a Vietnam veteran, so I grilled him on details that pertain to my scene. I discovered that while the basic thrust of my scene is okay, most of the details are wrong. I will have to correct and rework these details so as to be accurate. The benefit is that the scene will be more authentic and interesting.

The break also brought about a few realizations, namely, that perfect is the enemy of good. I have to admit that I am a perfectionist, and this holds me back in many ways. I have a hard time letting things go. Part of taking a vacation is letting go of the pattern of your everyday life. It is a forced break from perfectionism, and I find it is a great way to deal with the problem.

Upon return, you may find that you are a big fish in a small pond. There are opportunities all around to make life more enjoyable, but more often than not we’re simply too close to everything to realize it.

Take a vacation!

P.S. Best of MN vacation photos here.