Today is my first full time day back at a direct primary care clinic where I’ve worked for the last three years. In December, I accepted another full-time role with another organization, but something was missing. I know today isn’t just “going back to work.” It’s a return to a place and a team I love after a season that challenged me in a lot of ways. I hope today feels a little like coming home.

Before heading back to work full time, I gave myself a gift. Permission to explore.

For a few days, I became a tourist in my town.

I wandered into places I’d driven past hundreds of times.
I took myself out to lunch a few times, bringing a book so I could sit and relax.
I lingered instead of rushing home.
I got a much-needed massage.
I slept in (which means 6:30 a.m. instead of 5:15 a.m.).
I visited my daughter, which was wonderful.
I took the scenic route home.
I noticed things I’d been too busy to slow down and see before.

It reminded me of something we often forget. We’re so focused on escaping our lives that we miss the beauty already surrounding us. A staycation isn’t about settling for less. It’s about discovering more. Maybe that’s especially true after a season of change.

It’s easy to think we need an expensive vacation to recharge. But sometimes all we really need is to slow down enough to experience the place we’ve called home all along.

When we stop rushing from one obligation to the next, our communities begin to tell stories we’ve never noticed.

The mural downtown.
The bookstore tucked into the corner.
The walking trail that catches the sunrise just right.
The family-owned restaurant that’s been serving incredible food for decades.

As I head back to work, I’m grateful I took the time to reconnect—not only with my town, but with myself. The dog on the other hand, is not too excited about Mom leaving her every day again. Sometimes it’s about arriving.

When was the last time you got away?

Love. Give. Live.