I've been away for a few days. Unusually and luxuriously, I spent three nights completely on my own, sleeping in a wooden cabin a few miles outside Norwich.

Picture it, made by hand from local wood, set into some trees, overlooking a private field. Inside everything was natural, but also stylish. Local pottery. Towels with natural dies. And a wood burner.

Outside there was a covered veranda with a hammock and some blankets. You could swing there and look at the stars. Listen to the owls. Catch a glimpse of the occasional deer.

I didn't stir once my head hit the pillow each night until I woke up in the morning, completely rested.

Bliss.

And I hated it. Well, perhaps hate is too strong. I appreciated everything about it as you can tell. But I also found it hard to be there.

Why? Because if you love your life and your work, taking a break from it isn't a holiday. It's a punishment.

But I am also aware that rest and recuperation are important, and so I am reflecting on what this means for me in the future. These are my thoughts:

1. A change is as good as a rest. I was craving something before I went away, but I think it was actually a change of scene more than anything. If I'd taken my work away, I'd have loved it.
2. It's hard when you run your own business, or love what you do, to completely switch off. Most of it follows you in your phone. And so I'm prioritising systems and support that allow me to do that next time I go away.
3. I've developed a range of luxury problems that deserve no sympathy at all 😆.

But, I am sharing this today in the hope it helps you to think about what balance means to you in your life. It isn't the same for all of us.

Do you have a life you need a holiday from? Or are you generally content all the time?

Have a great day, Stephen

On Friday I am giving a talk called "Balance for Builders: How to Stay Grounded While You Create".

If that sounds interesting, drop me a line and I'll send you the details.