SUMMERTIME . . . and the living is easy . . .

As the song goes, this is the time to relax, rest, rejuvenate and reward yourself for all the hard work you've been doing. As they say, all work and no play makes Jack & Jill a very dull boy & girl. We all need time to relax and just "play."

No matter how much you truly love and enjoy your work, it is necessary from time to time, to get away from it all. This may mean going on a trip, even if only for a day or two, or an extended vacation of several weeks. Perhaps, for some, it means staying right where you are but taking time away from your day to day work to get out and see what's around you.

Believe it or not, doing this can be the best strategy you have, especially if you're in a rut. Removing yourself from the daily routines associated with running your business or household not only helps clear your mind and opens you to new ideas and possibilities, it also takes you out of your patterned behavior and stimulates your creativity by presenting new experiences, sights and stimuli.

Being away from your everyday environment gives you the opportunity to see what life is like for other people in other locations. Whenever I travel, I make a point of observing what local businesses are doing. I usually talk to one or two business people in the town or city I'm visiting. This gives me a totally new perspective on things and opens my thinking to new possibilities.

Simply being in an unfamiliar location causes us to think and act differently. It takes us out of our routines, moves us away from our comfort zone and literally bombards our creative minds with new and exciting sights and sensations.

Take time to play. Not only will you return more relaxed and rested, you'll surely have new ideas and renewed enthusiasm for your life and your work.