The world didn’t fall apart. Deep down, I knew it wouldn’t.
Still, as always, I left with a notch in the pit of my stomach. Who would answer e-mails? Who would put out fires? Could things really function
without me? Yes, as it turns out … which is why Dudes Weekend was another smashing success. Sure, it was actually 2-1/2 weeks. But who is counting when it goes so fast?
My sons, Kennedy, 10, and Hudson, 8, and I made another eventful escape. We spent time goofing off at a local hotel, before heading to Minneapolis for an extended stretch.
We returned with our souls and minds refreshed. We’re more bonded than ever. It’s amazing what happens when you actually
detach, and allow true relaxation to creep in.
No alarms on this trip. We slept for 10+ hours every night. When not slumbering, we did the usual Dudes Weekend stuff: hanging by the pool. Lounging in the room. Wrestling like WWE wannabes. Playing on our iPads. Watching TV late into the night.
Our time in Minneapolis was fantastic. We enjoyed a Minnesota Twins game from front-row seats. Visited the Minnesota Zoo. Got our culture fix in a few movie theaters.
The unquestioned highlight - for Kennedy, at least - was a visit to
U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings. Kennedy, by some genetic anomaly I’ve yet to decipher, is a Vikings fan. Well, you can only direct your kids so far.
Anyhow, he came away with a king’s ransom from the Vikings pro shop: a Justin Jefferson autographed jersey. A windbreaker. Hats. Football cards. A new addition to his growing collection of NFL mini-helmets.
Hudson, who collects NFL team blankets, got a Detroit Lions throw. He’s gathered 16 blankets – halfway through the NFL lineup. The kid will never be cold!
I came away with … joy.
It’s great watching your kids embrace their passions. Life is about so much more than work, and school, and checking boxes. It’s about finding happiness in ways that are unique to each of us.
Dudes Weekend does this for me. I came back fully rested and recharged. No angry customers awaited. I wasn’t broke. The world hadn’t fallen apart.
Sure, I’m combing through an avalanche of e-mails. It was expected - and a small price to pay for the always amazing experience of time away with my boys.
If you don’t take a trip like this, I strongly encourage you to do so. Start with a day or a weekend. Put the phone away. Focus on those who
really matter. Revel in your shared experiences.
Live your passions. Just
do it. Sure, you’ll have misgivings. Speaking from experience, I can attest that all those things you
think are important will still be there when you return.
The awesome part is the realization of how much you
didn’t miss them.
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