What happens when you disappear for a bit.

This past week, we packed up the car, loaded the kids and the cooler, and headed into the woods. (Well, sorta. More like camping-meets-The Villages — IYKYK). Nothing but pine trees, fire pits and classic campground-style activities. No email. No social media. No breaking news alerts or trending topics. Just firewood, bug spray, and the sound of kids actually being kids again. It was exactly what I needed.

Running a small business — especially one that’s creative, personal, and built from scratch — can feel like a never-ending loop. You’re always on. Always reachable. Always supposed to be doing something that moves things forward. But the truth is, creativity doesn’t thrive in that kind of environment. It starts to feel transactional.

Getting away helped me reset. It reminded me that stepping away from the work is part of the work. When your brain gets to wander — without the pressure to produce — you start to think differently. You remember why you started all this in the first place.

I know that’s easier said than done. You might be juggling client emails, inventory, deadlines, social media, late invoices, and whatever else your particular version of entrepreneurship comes with. But I promise, even a few hours unplugged can shift things in a good way.

So this is your very gentle nudge: find a pocket of time this week to get off the grid — even if it’s just metaphorical. Shut the laptop. Turn off the notifications. Take a walk without your phone. Sit outside with a coffee and don’t do anything.

Your business will still be there when you get back. But your mind might be a little clearer. Your ideas a little brighter. Your energy a little more yours again. And that’s when the good stuff starts to show up.