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Sitting on the beach last week, I curled my painted toes into the soft Tasmanian sand and gently breathed in the warm sea air. With the kids immersed in ocean play, I collected shells, made a necklace, read Harpers Bazaar from cover to cover and when done, sat in stillness watching as the waves passed me by.

I shed 15 years and lost (albeit it briefly) the heavy frown lines on my forehead.

When we got back to the shack and lunch was duly devoured, I sat and pondered on my morning musings. Three things came to light.

1. Three days with no internet or phone coverage is P.R.O.F.O.U.N.D.L.Y. relaxing. I must do it more often. No really, I MUST.
2. The sea is free therapy. Lying by the water with the sun on your back is quite simply - heaven.
3. Prolonged screen time actually affects my eyesight and my brain activity. After a big session on my phone or laptop, my eyes cannot focus comfortably on the page of any book, newspaper or magazine. Imagine windscreen wipers in heavy rain - furiously flicking, straining and totally distracted. 

I promised myself and announced to my friends that I MUST remember to switch off, like this, a few times a year. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my work and I have a pretty sensational family. 2017 is shaping up to be a really fruitful year for Digital Dandy, but what I want to ensure is that we remember to take stock, take it easy and take care. Take the pedal off, if even for a day.

Let's stop with the hamster wheel stuff because if we all whizz round and round and round, we're all going to just fly off in a heap one day, and where's the fun in that?

As Mum to two primary school boys, it's a constant whirlwind around our house. There are only three weeks til school begins. Three weeks to enjoy this enviable position of working when I want to. I used to cringe at the strain of holidays, especially when the boys were younger, and with no direct family support and a busy working period for my husband, School Holiday Director has been my senior role.

The boys are now older and I have shifted gear, thanks to entering my 40's and practising the art of saying 'no'. It's much less stress to take pleasure in the boys holiday time, soak up the sun (when it comes out), and find a simple balance between focussed work hours (usually in the early morning and late afternoon) and family time, before being consumed by busyness once again.

Digital Dandy is back in the office Wednesday 8 February. I'll have news then, which I'm busting to share.... but for now, pass me the pinot.