I’m not gonna lie:  I took Friday off.

That’s not to say I wasn’t checking email periodically and responding as necessary to texts and calls, but for the most part, I wanted to spend some one-on-one time with my favorite little lady.

At the start of this year,  two full months ago now, I’d set forth the intention of spending one day every couple weeks with Piper.  Before she starts school; before things get hectic and before she doesn’t want to be seen with me.  While she’s still super fun and crazy and especially when she’s been really clingy and lovey-dovey.  I needed a day with my girl.

Mama-Piper Day

We started the day with a few cups of coffee (me, not her) and some cartoons so I could get a little work out of the way.  We left the house around 10 to head to the expo for the Gasparilla 15k I would be running Saturday morning.  Paid $10 to park so little lady and I wouldn’t have to walk too far, grabbed her stroller and headed in to gather goodies.  She loved the free gelato, Pirate Booty and pretzel chips, of course.

She was a champ at the expo, and before long we were headed off to the zoo for a couple hours to play in the water and ride the roller coaster – her favorite thing in the universe right now.

I even let her take a few photos – her another favorite things.

She always makes us make this silly face.

We didn’t stay long – we hit the kids area, rode the coaster a few too many times, petted the goats and walked out through the monkey area. Just a quick stop before heading out to the beach to meet up with Gramma, Grampa, cousins and friends.  It was a gorgeous afternoon.

Cousins!

Seriously – how cute is my nephew? Babies on the beach kills me every time.

Baby Henry

The girls had a blast as they always do – playing in the sand while we enjoyed a happy hour at a local beach bar & grill.  We watched the sunset and then all enjoyed dinner at Sloppy Joes (not a favorite, but hey, it was right there).

The whole day was about the people that are most important to me.  I know I have the luxury of working for myself and thus, being able to set my own schedule – but I don’t take advantage of it very often.  At least not to hang out with my favorite girl.

She’s been really clingy lately – fun, easygoing and silly for the most part but when I try to leave?  She holds me tight and won’t let go.  And I can understand why: I’ve been working a lot lately – nights and weekends. We’ve had a lot of weekend plans, some involving babysitters.  My long runs mean I’m not around on Saturday mornings to wake up with her.  She missed me.  We needed this day.

You need this day too.

Whether it’s a day off with your kid or a night out with just the two of you, it’s so important to set aside time outside the daily grind to enjoy each other and remember what’s important.  Beyond the homework and dance class and swimming lessons, there are milestones and moments you’ll never get back. If you’re not happy personally, you’ll have a hard time being happy professionally.

But I don’t just mean kids and family.  I think that taking the time to step back, recognize and nurture relationships can be as helpful in business as it is in your personal life.  Let your clients know that you understand where they’re coming from – that their pain and frustration is heard and understood.  That you celebrate their successes and get excited about their work.  Take the time to say thank you and I appreciate you if you want those relationships to last.

Because after all – what’s it all about if not relationships?  Sunsets on the beach with your favorite people?  The work will be there tomorrow morning, but this time with my 3 year old?  That won’t be around very long and I intend to enjoy as much of it as possible before school wisks her away from me.  In fact, I’m putting it in my calendar to do so.

What do you do to take time out from hectic daily life to appreciate relationships and the people you care about most?