As the year winds down, I find myself thinking less on what I accomplished and more on how I lived.

This year gave me a gift I didn’t fully appreciate until I slowed down: time unplugged.

Just recently, I spent two unforgettable days in Moab with my wonderful nieces. Red rock canyons, blue open skies, and the kind of laughter that only shows up when phones stay in pockets. No schedules. No notifications. Just presence. Those days were a reminder that the outdoors has a way of recalibrating us, quietly and powerfully.

That same sense of grounding showed up again over the many weeks I spent in Maui this year. Beaches that stretch forever, waterfalls tucked into jungle hikes, long climbs into the mountains, and, most importantly, unhurried, well‑deserved rest and recovery time with my soul mate. Maui has a rhythm that doesn’t care about inboxes or algorithms. You either match it, or it gently forces you to.

Somewhere between Moab and Maui, I realized something simple but important: unplugging isn’t about escaping life, it’s about returning to it.

A close friend of mine put this into words better than I ever could when he shared his experience with No Phone Sundays. His message really stuck with me:

Been doing it for around 5 months and place my phone on my nightstand or corner of the counter (out of sight out of mind). Since doing this it has alleviated stresses I have about Mondays and starting the week in general and has promoted a good energy in me as well as excitement to start the week. Not checking emails, social media, texts has allowed me to have a day where I don’t feel tied to anything and can really focus on unwinding and resting without distractions. It’s also cultivated a better home environment with higher quality time spent with my wife and kids making the day overall much more enjoyable. Good to give ourselves a break.

There’s wisdom in that simplicity. One day. No phone. No noise. Just rest, connection, and space to reset. Are you up for the challenge? I for one will give it a go!

As I close out the year, I’m carrying this lesson forward… I don’t want more screen time, more hustle, or more urgency. I want deeper conversations, clearer thinking, stronger relationships, and the kind of energy that comes from actually being present.

If this year taught me anything, it’s that the best moments don’t come from being constantly connected, they come from intentionally disconnecting.

Here’s to closing the year grounded, grateful, and a little more unplugged! For me, my plan is to step into the next one rested, recharged, and ready.