There’s something to be said for living in the moment and not being driven by a schedule.

That’s what I returned with from my one week of staycation.

Truth be told, I’d forgotten I’d even shared my ramblings of our planned staycation until a conversation I had during a stop by Moss Rose and a chat with MaryAnn. Both busy, it’d been a while since I’d crossed her path at the bakery. The morning of my daughter’s 11th birthday it was a “must visit,” as both of my children love to start special days with a Moss Rose pastry.

MaryAnn inquired on how the staycation was shaping up, which led to quite the conversation. As we spoke, I shared with her how eye opening it truly was.

For the first time in a long time, I did not once catch myself thinking of work, our team or missing the office. I was just simply living in the moment. Taking the time to catch up with friends, spend some quality time hiking with my son and later in the week celebrating the birth of both of the best people to ever happen into my life – my children.

Separated by three years, yet born just a day apart, the juggle of their birthday each year is always exhausting. Not this year. This year we simply rolled with it. Swim time with friends, taking in a movie and ice cream with family. It was perhaps as simple, yet as memorable as any of their past birthdays. In short – it was perfect.

For some I recognize this may all be a bit too simple, boring even. What I realized however is what I tell my children often. The ability to travel, be it Hawaii, Disneyland or even a quick trip to San Francisco is good fortune. Granted, I work hard so that we can live such a life. Nothing is or has been handed to us.

Those experiences however, while they are both fortunate and appreciated, they are not what’s necessary for us to love and enjoy each other’s company. It was fun chilling with the two of them on the couch. Listen to their laughter as they acknowledged (openly) mom’s tendency to be a bit dingy.

So what’s this all about really? In short it’s simple. As each of you travel through these next few months of summer – kids or not – my wish for you is that you find the time to live in some simplicity. The outings, experiences, travels are all amazing. Yet so is the sound of the birds chirping outside my window if I sit long enough to hear them. As are the flowers planted in city planters that I pass on the regular yet never acknowledge.

My staycation did not physically take us beyond the 90 miles of road between us and San Francisco. Yet at the same time, it did take me to a whole other planet, a reconnection to what matters most. For in the end if we fail to live in the present moment, we missed the point of the “present” all together.

Happy summer. May your days be long and your worries be few. Enjoy.

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 847-3021.