The days were warm. The night air was cool and crisp.  My children stayed up way past bedtime to watch the sun finally set and chase fireflies in the moonlight.  Truly the most idyllic family trip.  I was fully present; enjoying my family, the familiar breeze, the turquoise water...feeling fortunate for every moment.
With time to reflect, I thought about how I consciously live, the choices I make, and how each decision influences the people in my life from my family and friends to our clients at Evolve to the community of folks I see at the grocery store and beyond. 

While the time spent at Lake Leelanau gave me a fresh perspective in understanding the balance between enjoying every day and preparing for the future, I also remembered that our life lessons are not put on hold, nor saved for days when we have the time to learn from them. Vacations tell us to break out of our comfort zones and experience new vistas, real connections with each other, and teachable moments with a thankful heart.
And when gratitude flows freely, every moment is a holiday, unique to itself.