Please stop and take a good look at the picture above, because this is the only version of Las Vegas that I will accept from now on... EVER!

Editing is EVERYTHING.

Recently, hubs and I had an incredible opportunity to see Bruno Mars in concert in Las Vegas. BUT I had concerns. First up, I don't like Vegas. The crowds. The lights. The noise. The sad faces loosing next months mortgage payment at the black jack table.

Second, the turn around time was fast, like really really quick. specifically it was 24 hours, and Bruno is calling! It's time to start planning and implement my number one rule for personal productivity and satisfaction.

Control what you can control

The first order of business was to figure out how to pass 4 hours until time to check in at the hotel. Luckily, Red Rock Canyon is just 25 minutes from the Vegas strip. And just like that, we traded crowds for canyons and neon lights for sunlight!

Next, we checked into the CASINO FREE Vdara Hotel just a 10 minute walk from the concert venue. After a nap and dinner, we headed to see the ultimate showman, and his band.

This is the part of the evening where I loose control. We can no longer avoid, crowded spaces, loud, noises coming from every direction, sad faces at the tables, or more importantly for me... how tall is the person sitting in the seat in front of me? Will I be able to see the stage?

The universe took control in the most surprising way

After going through security the venue gave everyone magnetic pouches to lock away our phones. It was basically a mini safe for your phone! But for me it was a life saver.

Of course, you could still feel your phone vibrating if you received a call or message, but you couldn't see the screen or take any photos or videos. I thought it was genius and allowed me to fully engage with the performance, and the crowd.

For the first time in years I didn't have to bob and weave my 4ft 11 inch frame side to side to see.

For the first time in years, I didn't have to watch a concert through someones raised arms as they attempted to capture every moment on the cell phone.

It's amazing how one teeny tweak, one unexpected edit, to an experience made it the best concert I've seen in a long time!

Edit your way to better experiences

Quote

American film director, writer and producer Steven Speilberg on our relationship with technology.

"Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives. It interrupts our own story, interrupts our ability to have a thought or a daydream, to imagine something wonderful, because we're too busy bridging the walk from the cafeteria back to the office on the cell phone."

Question

Think you may want to put your phone in timeout for a while?

• When was the last time you completely unplugged from technology and social media? How did it make you feel?

• What activities or hobbies do you enjoy that don't involve technology? How can you incorporate more of these activities into your daily life?

I invite you to unplug some time off this week.

Start small - maybe take an hour or 30 minutes to do something that you enjoy.

Experience being fully present, you'll be amazed what a difference even a small break can make.

Speaking of taking breaks, studies continue to show taking breaks and vacations can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. According to the Greater Good Science Center, taking a break from work can help reduce stress and improve cognitive function. And who doesn't wasn't better cognitive function?!

On that note, our family will enjoy some quality time together in the coming weeks, so morning movement classes are canceled March 13th - 17th.

BUT not to worry there are plenty of new classes in the on demand library for you to explore.

Thanks for reading The Good Stuff. I'm excited to continue pondering, practicing and playing with you this year.
Until next time!

Jessica

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About this newsletter: You are receiving this email because you subscribed. Bi-monthly I share ideas that I am playing with, pondering or practicing that you may also enjoy. Occasionally, I send out longer content or offerings, centered around productivity, accountability and rest to support your work and wellness life.