The Importance of Rest, Vacation & Adventure

This summer, my family and I traded our trusty Coleman Lantern camper for flights, Airbnbs, and time with one of my dearest friends, Jenni, in Michigan. The mission? Explore three of the Great Lakes—Huron, Michigan, and Superior—and make as many memories as possible along the way.

Jenni and I go way back—our friendship was cemented over a decade ago on a Rotary Group Study Exchange to Israel. Since then, she’s been my go-to adventure buddy. She’s also one of those rare people who feels like home—not because she “fixes” you, but because you can be tired, messy, or quiet and still be fully accepted.

🚲 Adventures on Two Wheels (and a Few Bruises)

This trip included plenty of biking: Mackinac Island, Marquette, and even some mountain bike trails. One of them, The Flow in Copper Harbor, was… let’s just say “character-building.” Steep switchbacks, rocky paths, and a clear overestimation of my skills meant I took a spill or two. But here’s the thing—sometimes we fall, and then we get up, dust off, and keep going.

Key Learning: Keep challenging yourself, learn from the bruises, and laugh along the way.

🌎 50 States Before High School

When Luna was little, I set a goal for us to see all 50 states before she graduates high school. She’s 7, and we’ve already crossed off 34! This year’s highlights for her: rolling down the dunes at Sleeping Bear, biking Mackinac Island, her first mountain biking trail at Swedetown, and visiting Tahquamenon Falls.

One of the funniest moments came after hiking Sleeping Bear Dunes. We popped into the Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate shop for fudge and drinks. Luna tried their drinking chocolate and declared, “This changes everything!” (Reader, we ate every truffle, piece of fudge, and chocolate before the trip home.)

Key Learning: Roll down the hills. Eat the fudge. Drink the chocolate. Enjoy all the ice cream.

🌊 Chasing Waterfalls and Snake Encounters

Our top three waterfalls:

• Chapel Falls – Rachel’s favorite: peaceful, forest-canopied, and perfect for an off-leash walk for our dog, Byner.

• Tahquamenon Falls – My favorite: rich tea-colored water (like the Suwannee River back home in Florida), short hikes to the upper and lower falls, and the joy of watching Luna play behind the lower falls.

• Canyon Falls – Luna’s “most dramatic” pick: she crossed the river, startled a 6–8-foot garter or ribbon snake, and bravely swam back. She now wants an “I Survived a Snake at Canyon Falls” back-to-school party.
  

⏳ White Space & Work Focus

One of my favorite things about these summer adventures? They force me to be intentional with my work hours. I stack meetings mid-week and protect long weekends for travel and play. Even after returning home, I try to keep that rhythm—more white space means more productivity and more joy.

Key Learning: Protect white space in your calendar. Schedule quarterly rest and recharge to prevent burnout and boost creativity.

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a consultant, or just someone who thrives on new experiences, I can’t recommend this enough: give yourself permission to rest, explore, and play. Those adventures will refill your tank and, surprisingly, make you better at the work you love.

Mandy