March 12th, 2010
by Lorrie Thomas
I am about to take a vacation where I will be “unplugging to recharge”. I toyed with the right way to say why I am taking time off and have some words of web wisdom for you, but after stopping on this sentence for several minutes, I decided to throw diplomacy out the window, be authentic and just say it:
I’m taking time off because I am really freaking exhausted 
I launched my first company, Lorrie Thomas Web Marketing (LTWM) www.lorriethomas.com in late 2005 and I have been hitting the work thing HARD ever since. After several years of running LTWM and having more clients and building out a great team, we launched Web Marketing Therapy to offer more strategic web marketing advisory. I LOVE being the Marketing Therapist and LOVE the work we do, but the road to a new business involved starting over in many respects. The work to launch a new brand, create a business model, refine systems, take care of clients, run sales, oversee marketing, own management and keep all plates spinning is rewarding ….but has been a lot on the brain and my body.
Throw in teaching at UCSB Extension, Berkeley Extension, SBCC, speaking and work travel. As much as busy people get things done, I lost track of something really important that needed to be done…..
LIVING LIFE.
If this looks like someone you know, stage a web intervention!
It is my goal to support business leaders, entrepreneurs and marketing professionals, but somehow as I kept my focus on my work, the professional Lorrie enveloped the personal Lorrie. This is the FIRST trip I have ever taken where I am going to have no plans – just read, sit on a beach, unplug from technology and recharge.
And I’m a little scared!
I am sharing this because I think a lot of you can relate. Sometimes we love what we do so much that it envelops our lives and what is really important is love of life, not just love of work. I’m going to take some time to focus on what really matters – health is wealth and I encourage you all to carve out time in life to just BE.
Being a human DOing is not as good as being a human BEING
Do what you love, love what you do, but don’t forget to love you in the process.
This month, Web Marketing Therapy has been live for ONE YEAR (time flies when you are having fun!) I look forward to coming back with a fresh perspective and more therapy tips and tools to help you embrace the wild wild web!
Web Marketing Therapy Related Links:
Linda Menesez, LCSW
(March 12th, 2010 at 10:50 pm)
Wow, Lorrie!! I’m so proud of you!! I know how hard this decision was for you to make, but I think you will be very happy with the results. I, also, think you’ll be amazed at the long-lasting benefit of taking time to “be.” You’re worth the investment of time! Have a wonderful vacation, and come back relaxed and rejuvenated!
Take really good care,
Linda
Melissa T
(March 12th, 2010 at 11:43 pm)
You are an inspiration to women everywhere. Thank you for your passion and your honesty!
Respectfully,
Melissa T
Keith T.
(March 13th, 2010 at 1:02 am)
What an amazing post, Lorrie. Some people work to live, others live to work. I’m so glad you are taking some time to just BE
Jaroslav Kalvoda
(March 13th, 2010 at 3:08 am)
Taking time off is also part of business Lorrie. Do not feel guiltily, you are doing GREAT job and have to relax to stay fresh to teach all your WONDERFUL classes just like last. I just came back from 2 weeks off…
Stephanie
(March 13th, 2010 at 3:19 am)
I totally relate! I love what I do so much that I rarely turn it completely off… BUT everyone needs to take time off every now and then to recharge. Go girl!
Lorrie Thomas
(March 13th, 2010 at 3:29 am)
thank you all for your generous thoughts. I am so grateful and touched.
I know, I know, I am probably getting some heads shaking for replying this late at night…or at all, since I am supposed to be on vacation, but I still grading my online students’ work before I can call it a day!
Off to Mexico…vaya con Dios! Adios! Abrazos!!
Zdena
(March 13th, 2010 at 7:02 pm)
Hi Lorrie, I hope that you will not see this post until you return! Know that the second trip will be SO much easier (-:
I felt like I was playing hokie the first time I left my new business for longer than half a day. I am not quite a pro at leaving yet, but it does get easier with practice! Hope you had a great time.
James
(March 15th, 2010 at 4:47 pm)
Dear Lorrie,
Honestly, I don’t blame you. Being burnt out doesn’t help, I can talk from experience, creative burnout, is stressful. I hope you enjoy your holiday.
The image of blogging on the toilet that’s funny.
Web Marketing Therapy » Blog Archive » Lessons about Web Marketing from a Makeup Artist
(March 25th, 2010 at 6:39 pm)
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The Marketing Therapist
(April 6th, 2010 at 12:03 am)
it was such a needed trip – thanks to all of you for the virtual support!!!