This week is a rare occurrence for me. I’m actually on vacation… without my family. I did this for the first time last year and enjoyed it so much that my girlfriend and I planned it again for this year.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my family and experiencing adventures. But I can’t relax with them. I still have the responsibility to feed them, keep my children safe, and prepare for whatever comes next. My duties are the same but in just a different environment.

So I’m at the beach with some friends. Our condo isn’t fancy nor big. We’re not eating gourmet meals, and there may be more junk food than real food purchased at the store. But I can sleep in and not have to worry about taking care of anyone else. There is no agenda other than where am I going to get my next cup of coffee or eat my next scoop of ice cream.

This morning, I woke up to several e-mails and realized that it was my Jazzercise anniversary. I have officially been an instructor for one year. So much has happened! What a whirlwind this journey has been, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’ve learned so much about myself, my team, and my community. I’m stronger for it.