Elation Over at Serendipity 3

Drinking monster "Frozen Hot Chocolates" at Serendipity 3, Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas.

It wasn't until Verna and I were sitting on the veranda outside of Seredipity 3 with the sun on my face that it hit me: freedom.

I was free, and I didn't know what to do with myself.

Unlike employment, running your own business is a 24/7/365 affair. The weight of business is always with you. Even on weekends at home, there's something to be done. There's always something on the mind. It's relentless and exhausting. And it's only something that owners know and feel. When you have a job, you go home and it's pretty much out of mind. When it's your company, there is no escape.

Which is why moments like these are rare. Usually when I'm away, there's some sort of issue that still needs addressing. There's still something on the mind. I haven't taken a real "vacation" in years - no matter where in the world I've gone. A "vacation" meaning a trip void of concern, thought or worry about business.

That's why it hit me so hard sitting there in the sunlight. All of a sudden, I felt as though a tremendous weight had been lifted from my chest. I was released. I was free. I literally floated.

The feeling itself is difficult to describe. Elation comes close. A burden gone kinda tells the story. No worries. No troubles. No thoughts. Just pleasure. Pure, unadulterated pleasure. Nothing to do, nothing to think about, nothing to worry. Amazing. I hoped it would last forever.

It was right about then when Arianna called with scheduling issues. Elation over.