Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately

Ever find that you are in that hustle mindset and you just cant break free to gain perspective. Lately I have felt like I have been on this mary go round and I was starting to feel sick. All I wanted was a moment to stop and collect my thoughts, to gain a more productive mindset. I knew I needed to disconnect from everything and remember the little things that inspire me. So when the idea to have a family camping trip to the mountains came up I jumped up and said Yes! 

Early Friday morning we packed up and headed to the mountains, my brother, sister and I left first. We wanted to claim a good spot....

Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately

In good Washington fashion the rain begins promptly at the start of September, so I knew that even though it was my birthday weekend and I had every intention of gaining inspiration and rest, I knew it was most likely going to take place in the rain. And boy was I right. 

Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately
Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately
Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately
Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately
Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately

Growing up in Washington I know the ropes when it comes to camping and basically it is a necessity to always pack a couple tarps. We kept to this rule, and got to our camp spot, hidden deep in the woods. We raced to set up tents and tarps in the pouring rain then we settled in to wait for the rest of the family over a nice stout glass of porter. 

Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately
Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately

There were two crystal clear lakes near our camp spot and it was such a magical spot to be at. As the weather would change the lakes & mountains would disappear. My family had a great time making fun of me each time I would call out "oh look the lake is gone..." " Oh look it's back..." 

Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately
Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately
Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately
Kendra Castillo: Stepping Away from the Office to gain More Productivity and Inspiration + Photos of Life Lately

The rest of the weekend was filled with bonfires, mountain top hikes, games and rest. I observed the changing of the weather and all the beautiful colors and textures that it created. I stepped away from the daily noise of life and settled into a new rhythm, even if it was for a short few days. 

There is something so magical about slowing down and observing the world that we get to live in.