With my eyes closed, I can taste the salt in the air as I breathe it in. I can hear the waves crashing on the shoreline, gently making a lulling rhythm that makes me sleepy. The hot sun warms my skin, which is a contrast to the cool ocean water lapping at my feet. The gentle breeze off the ocean presents a little relief from the squelching sun. To me, this is paradise.

Then I open my eyes, and I’m back in my office staring at the computer and trying to finish my variance report on the budget. But I am distracted, the anticipation of vacation always in the back of my mind. Next week I’ll be on the beach, taking in sun, laughing with family, and in my version of paradise.

Until then – I just have to close my eyes.