Finding time for calm in the middle of our day is difficult. Even looking up can be a challenge, especially in our technology driven environment. I arrived at Plaza Resort Bonaire at 3:30 pm and I planned on working until at least midnight. I had tons to do before my week of new, unique adventures in Bonaire. Realizing that the internet didn’t work in my room was like a slap in the face. How the heck was I going to get everything done? Then, once I got over the initial withdrawals, I decided to replace that sense of “rush” with a meditative calmness, and I’ve been swept away by Plaza Resort Bonaire. I realized that doing nothing can be the most productive thing to do with your time.

I put down my phone, my camera, and my computer and I walked over to the bar. Without the distraction of technology, I was bored. I wasn’t going to just sit there drinking alone so I started talking to the people around me. Within minutes, I was chatting with a diving couple from Texas, a guy working in Bonaire from Chicago, and another couple on their honeymoon. We drank and shared our lives, face-to-face, for more than four hours. It was like hanging out with old friends. I was already starting to feel revived; refreshed from the gentle breeze and the sound of chatter around the bar.

By midnight, I said good-bye and returned to my room. Normally, at this time, I’d write a post, share photos on Facebook, and send tweets for another few hours before calling it a night. I’d crawl into bed at 3 or 4 am, wide awake from typing on the bright screen, and struggle for almost an hour before falling asleep. Not at Plaza Resort Bonaire!

I came back to the room and climbed into bed. There was no use checking my phone or trying to respond to comments; it wasn’t going to work. I didn’t have service.

I feel asleep within ten minutes, listening to the sound of the waves and the wind, and I woke up feeling more rested than I’d felt in over a year.  I strolled along the beach taking photos without sunbathers or snorkelers in the way and I took a dip in the pool, floating on my back with my ears in the water listening to the white noise.

Then, I walked over to the lobby and worked on the computer for two and a half hours. I accomplished more in those 2.5 hours at Plaza Resort Bonaire than I would have accomplished all of the day before. Sometimes we need to step away from work and technology and enjoy face-to-face experiences. I’d almost like to thank Plaza Resort Bonaire for having crappy Internet. It allowed me to see that they offer so much more.