This was the first holiday in two years that I have felt I have earned.  The first time that I was busy enough to have to PLAN to have a break, and then fight to keep it.

And for one glorious, family filled week I turned off. Completely.

I didn’t worry about writing, or replying. I didn’t tweet, or instagram, or fb. I felt no draw towards the online world that I normally spend so many hours immersed in.

I slept in. I ate (and ate and ate) I watched movies, played Wii games with the kids, hauled firewood and snuggled.  I took a deserved and well earned break from work.

I baked my ass off (and then ate it back on again)

Because as much as I love the digital atmosphere that I dance in during the week, my real life is the one that fills my four walls.  The relationships I put above all others are those of my family, and (dear friends) as much as I love, and respect you, I needed to turn you off.

I took 5 photographs this past week, mostly of my daughters birthday. There are no pics of our tree on instagram, or photos of our perfectly cooked turkey. The memories are in my brain, for me to sift through as the years progress and the kids get older.

The only time I have ever “decorated” a dinner table! (saved for future proof)

And now, a week later, the guests (and most of the kids) are gone. The dust has settled (literally and figuratively) and the only thing left to do is clean up.

Re-pack the decorations, wash the floors and do the mounds of laundry. Deal with ALL THE FOOD, and get prepared to welcome a new year.

And sift through the email box, of course.

One thing I did notice this year though, is that I was “on trend” for turning off. I loved missing my online friends, and seeing that everyone was stuck deep into their families and friends. I loved that work was pushed to the background for a moment, which is always such a challenge for entrepreneurs, and that relationships were made a priority.

And I think that as we move forward into a new year, we will all do so with a little more appreciation of the fine art of balancing as passion for our work, and for our life. I for one want to make sure that both my buckets are filled, and that there is enough time to challenge my brain as there is to relax and enjoy the down time.

So, for all of you who turned off this holiday season, congratulations!  Here’s to a few more days of LIVING in the moments, before the new schedule kicks in.