There’s something about walking 40 miles in 4 days that really helps you hit that reset button.

My recent trip to NYC — which was uncharacteristically poorly planned — turned out to be everything I hoped for. And everything I needed.

Years ago, I set the intention that when each of my kids turn 12, we’d do a father-son special trip… a way to mark the approach of teenage years, and to deliberately spend time with them as a person (vs being a child). And each would (and will) get a trip tailored to their personality and interests.

For Jackson, our travel called for a destination that’s as go-go-go as he is (I wonder where he gets it). The trip was marked by giant whales and animal facts; by singing waiters and slapstick comedy; by gelato stops and disappointing cronuts; by finding clues in Central Park; by ice cream pools and Wizard robes; and can’t forget, by extra pickles.

And beyond the fun and the tourist traps, to share with him lessons that come with being in a place so big and so real… a city of opportunity and of struggle.  Of storied past. To show him that not everywhere is safe, or clean, or quiet. But also to be able to look past that and find the hope and the history and the joy.

All of it made me realize how ridiculous it was that for 6 weeks prior, it felt like I was moving mountains just to make space for the trip. To be able to literally take 5 days off of work (3 business days!) so I could focus on him. It was a real wake-up call.

Combine that with the sheer number of people in New York… a sea of indifferent faces, who all have their own lives and problems, and who couldn’t care less about the deliverables and projects and the money I work for. I came home with a renewed sense of perspective.

It’s not to say my work doesn’t matter, or my commitments are unimportant. But my headstone isn’t going to read, “Here lies someone who could produce a killer spreadsheet,” and I won’t look back on my deathbed and wish I spent less time with my kids and more time working.

All in all, I came away with a fresh outlook, great memories, a closer bond… and a 27-inch Statue of Liberty rubber chicken.

current mood: happy

current music: ok go – better than this