A recent vacation to the vast and remote Big Bend National Park in west Texas got me to thinking about something a very smart person once told me about vacations.  He said that a great vacation has three components, and that, in a certain sense, the vacation itself can be the least important.  The three elements are:  the anticipation, the vacation experience, and the memories.  It’s true. 

Being able to look forward to a planned vacation is such a stress reliever; knowing that a breather is on the way can do so much to help keep you centered.  This tranquilizer can last for months as you look forward to your trip.

And the vacation itself, even if it’s only for a few days, does help you vacate your mind from its regular routine.  Going someplace new makes my senses hyper alert so that I have no choice but to be in the moment and not think about my normal routine.

And to quote a cliché, memories last a lifetime.  When my wife and I were driving through Big Bend I said that I was upset that I wouldn’t be able to remember every single vista just as we were experiencing it.  But pictures help, right?  So here are a few to help you vacate–even if it’s for just a few seconds!