I took a (~95%) Unplugged Vacation after releasing my book 🗺️. Here’s what happened.
Three weeks after The Financial Activist Playbook launch — in this midst of the busiest, most chaotic, opportunity-full, and momentous experiences of my personal and professional life thus far — I was scheduled to go Out of Office on a family vacation.
A 10-day European cruise, to be specific.
With 40+ people from my fiancé’s extended family.
And limited wifi.
[^ Does that make you go “ooh!” or “ooh?”]
But because of the timing of my book launch and the pressure of the moment and the busyness at my full-time job, I honestly wasn’t sure if I was “supposed” to go on this vacation. I mean, the weeks following a book launch — just like the years leading up to a book launch — should be grind time, right? Not to mention [gestures wildly at the grief-filled world] there’s so much work left to do.
My own deep-seated fear that stepping away from my laptop would be “irresponsible” was compounded by outside noise. I remember interviewing one potential publicist to work with, whose reaction to me mentioning the planned vacation was “…That’s not great.”
To cut to the chase, I took the vacation. It was great. Life-changingly great in fact, and more needed than I could have imagined. (I also ended up bringing on a publicist whose reaction to my vacation plan was “Absolutely. You’re going to need it.” You are so appreciated Dawn!)
The cruise was beautiful for all the reasons you might imagine; incredible historic sites, endless delicious food, luxuriating poolside with fun drinks, new cultural experiences, priceless intergenerational family partying, and so much more. In the moments of micro-panic I did have (“must check emails! Must send emails!”), I was… let’s say humbled by the power of the sea. Apparently for me, looking at a laptop while on a boat = instant motion sickness.
So — I unplugged for real. I just existed. I said yes to the people and support systems who made this period of restoration possible for me, releasing the overthinking and embracing the stunning gift of true rest and leisure.
And… The Financial Activist Playbook still made an appearance. Like I mentioned, there were over 40 of us, family and friends from my mother-in-law’s side of the family. As a group of mostly Black American families who have enjoyed financial flourishing in some capacity, my fiancé’s uncle coordinated time for us to collectively talk about wealth-building strategies. As a part of that, I was invited to share about my book and my work helping everyday people reclaim wealth and collective well-being. In front of this trusted, beloved family — on a fancy ship in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea — I got to practice the speech I’ve been preparing for an upcoming conference mainstage.
Talk about a gift.
In this period, I’m continuously humbled by the gifts that present themselves when I pause my fidelity to sheer “productivity,” and instead savor the experiences of living a Good Life. When I sit with my privilege, not accompanied by shame, but by gratitude. When I’m reminded of the ease and joy that’s possible, of the quality of life that’s worth fighting for, and that the work of financial activism can help open up that quality of life for more people.
And guess what: The book didn’t disappear into the ether when I took a break. It continued to reach people, because it’s now in the hands of friends and strangers alike who are a part of The Financial Activist Playbook’s journey. When I logged back on, I was greeted by genuine messages like this that affirmed I can step away while the ideas and content marinate with readers.
So in case you needed to hear this today: if you have PTO, take it.
If you have a support system that wants to see you rest, honor them.
And If you’re trying to make the world a better place, make sure you don’t forget that you deserve to experience a better place, too.
With gratitude, a refreshed sense of purpose, and reluctantly acknowledged jetlag,
-J
