This year, I’m finding time for what’s most important

Only a week into January, I’m already planning to take a week off work in December.

I’ve put in for a week off in March, too.

The rest of my vacation days, I’ll space out in the months in between, making sure to take them all.

In years past, I haven’t taken all the time off I’ve earned.

It’s not unusual. The average American only takes 54% of their vacation time, according to a 2018 study by the job site Glassdoor.

It’s a valuable perk, and I’m lucky to have it. But there’s more to it than that.

Research shows working long hours can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, among other problems.

Research also shows taking time off is good for your health and may even boost productivity in the long run.

Taking time off can alleviate burnout. I get that.

Sometimes I feel like I’m running out of words. (My editor says that’s impossible.)

I don’t take all my vacation time because I don’t have plans to go anywhere, or no money to travel, or too many stories to write.

There are a dozen reasons.

But then I lament not having enough time to spend with family and friends, to travel, or even just clean out closets.

So this year, in March, I’ll take a trip to Disneyland with my girlfriends — no kids, husbands or boyfriends.

All five of us turn 55 — in order, Carrie,

me, Ally, Niki and Rhonda.

(We took the same trip when we turned 50. We got to play.)

I’ll take long weekends with my cousins in their RV, call, “Someone make me a sandwich” from the driver’s seat and explore Arizona.

At Christmas next year, I'll do all the things I missed out on this year.

I have the time.

I just have to take it.