Points And Miles
Summer’s almost here, and so is my annual “big” break. Every year around this time, I limit my points and miles adventures. Inevitably, I’ll get caught up in certain silly things based on future developments, but it’s nowhere near what I’m up to at other times of the year. And right now, I feel even more ready for a break. Here’s why.
I’m Tired
Okay, I know that sounds like I’m a pity party of one. But compared to previous years, I’m more exhausted now. Perhaps I can attribute some of that to my firmly middle age, but I acknowledge things have been different this past 12 months. I’ve been in and around town a lot more than last year to take care of random hobby tasks and experiments. Doing more things at home last year may have been a bit more efficient, but opportunities change.
I often combined errands to save time, money, and a very small bit of the environment. Nonetheless, I know I’ve gone out on my share of trips specifically to pick up more points and miles. At a certain point (pun intended), it doesn’t make enough sense to bother.
Truly Detaching
We’re attached to the things we do. When I’m doing things, I think about them before and after. If I’m doing those things often, that’s a lot of befores and afters. If it’s often enough, those tasks, the lead-ups, and the come-downs easily and unintentionally overtake other priorities.
Abstinence here and there, perhaps a contradiction, is exactly what I need right now. I want to be in the moment with the people that matter to me. I don’t want to be thinking about if I activated that Freedom category. Indeed, that’s probably closer to the opposite of true freedom.
Speaking of, I can think of something else that will help.
Travel
We’re starting off the summer with a bang – our first true summer Disney World trip. After plenty of trips in the winter and spring, we’re excited to try this time of year without the need to pull our kids out of school. I’ll probably think differently after we return. Regardless, we’ll soak this one in.
Meanwhile, we have a few shorter, small trips peppered throughout summer which we look forward to. They’re nothing worthy of sharing now, but I look forward to writing about highlights in the future.
Watching and Listening on the Beach
This is one of my favorite hobbies where we live. I do that throughout the year, but I feel even more of an urge this summer to do more. That’s something I usually don’t say this time of year. Those first two things I mentioned above are related to this. The fact that my beach buddies (little ones) are each a year older and a bit bigger underscores my sense of urgency. I want to slow down time. I did this to help, and I’ll keep trying other angles, as well.
Points and Miles Break – Conclusion
I encourage other hobbyists to periodically step back, breathe deeply, and reflect. I firmly believe that I can never do everything in this hobby, but I must always do more of those three things. As young Mr. Bueller said 37 (!) years ago, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
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A Sabbatical?