Are You Coming Or Going?

I recently watched a group of people travel to and from a business trip. The agenda took this group out of town for a few days. Airports, first class accommodations, and a busy schedule occupied the time in between the departure and when they were to arrive back home.
As they gathered to be on their way, excitement was in the air. Plans were made for how to spend every possible minute of downtime. Bar room bets were made. Laughter and a sense of eagerness to get going were palatable for all to see.
The days during the trip were filled with work and meetings. The nights were filled with networking via the party scene. As the trip wore on, the hectic schedule of both day and night activity began to take its toll on the travelers. Finally, the time arrived to go home. To wrap up all the work and play. The timing of the final hours of this trip found most of the group with only a few hours to travel to the airport in the early morning hours. Completely exhausted and mostly inebriated, this rag tag group of professionals limped their way on and off the final plane rides. This once proud and lively group now appeared quite different. It is in this sad state they would now return to their families and loved ones. I watched this and wondered. Where had all the life gone? Where had they spent themselves? What was left of them to bring back into their homes?
The next time you plan a trip, consider carefully the coming and going. When would you like to be at your best? What part of your itinerary deserves everything you have to offer?