a little 4th of july reminder to close the laptop

The week of a holiday, marketers are in full scramble mode.

Campaigns need to launch. 

Posts need to be scheduled. 

Reports need to be sent. 

Clients need answers. 

Internal lists need to be checked off. 

And somehow, every “quick thing” morphs into 12 more things. Everyone tries to wring out as much productivity as possible before the holiday, but the beauty is that we can all relate! 

And now that the 4th is upon us, the collective mood has shifted to: “It’s time to shut the laptop and touch grass.” Or in my case, touch sand.

work hard, then go live your life

I am all for working hard and playing hard. That’s what I try to encourage for my family, friends, and employees. We work hard when it counts — and then I want you to slam that laptop shut and go live life! We value our brilliant marketing minds but I want everyone to value their lives outside of work even more.

I just took a potential client call from the back room of my parents’ house while my parents, my family of four, and my brother’s family of four were out at the beach. My next move? Swimsuit. Sunscreen. Sunglasses. Maybe a bubbly beverage. (Definitely a bubbly beverage.) 

That’s the best part of working hard: the moment you log off and get to jump right into real life. For me, that means jumping into the ocean — literally — because Florida currently feels like 101 degrees.

celebrating choice, flexibility, and the life outside of work

Around the 4th of July, I always find myself thinking about freedom — not just as a big patriotic word, but as the everyday ability to choose the life I want. I had the choice to leave my job and start my own business, and it has been the best career move I've made in 14 years. 

I know there is a risk that this starts to sound cheesy because, yes, if you are writing about Independence Day, you’re basically required to talk about ~FrEeDoM~. But it’s also true. I do feel grateful to live in a place where I can make choices for myself. I can dress how I want. I can be a woman, a mom, and a business owner all at the same time. Not everyone gets to say that, and I do not take it lightly.

So yes, it may sound cliche, but it’s truly how I feel. After a productive work day, I get to head to the beach with my family. I get to watch the kids boogie board, bury themselves in the sand, and play family bocce ball. 

That last one feels especially sweet.

It’s one of those magical moments where you are playing a game with your kids that your parents played with you your entire life. The kind of full-circle moment you may not fully recognize while it’s happening, but you know it matters.

That is something to celebrate.

it’s time to celebrate

So here’s your reminder: Do the work that needs doing, then close the laptop and go live the life you’re working so hard to build. Celebrate the choices, the people, the moments, and the freedoms that make it yours. 

Happy 4th of July!