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Getting away can be as relaxing or complicated as you want to make it. I like to keep at least three vacation days each year that I use to get away on my own. My favorite thing to do is to go camping in Michigan. I think I find this so rewarding because it is something my family did as I was growing up. There are many different locations for camping in Michigan. My family usually chose to go to the Upper Peninsula area. We liked to see the large boats on the lake and there are always lots of rivers and streams to fish in. My father taught me how to fly fish on these streams.
Going away for a few days alone seemed rather selfish to me the first time my wife suggested it to me. I knew that she worked even harder than I do because she takes on more of the responsibilities with the house and children. She insisted that it would be good for me. The children were away at camp and she wanted to have the house to herself. She helped pack the equipment and food and sent me off camping in Michigan by myself. I considered calling a buddy to join me, but I am so glad that I did not do this. That first time I went up on a Friday afternoon and returned on a Sunday afternoon. Two nights alone outdoors was a great renewal experience for me. I had a chance to reflect on the goals I had set for myself as well as my relationships with my children and wife. I came home feeling as if I had been on a very long journey. In a way I had been. It is not very often that I spend that much time by myself. Not having any phone calls or other people around to interrupt my thoughts is very healing for me. When I cam home from that first camping trip to Michigan I told my wife that I was going to do this annually. I feel I am a better employee, father and husband because of taking these solo trips annually.
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