I had been looking forward to No Zoom July for months.
As a low-energy introvert who runs her entire business on Zoom, I dream about July like some people dream about a Caribbean vacation. A whole month with no Zoom calls? Bliss. Space to catch up on projects, clean out my inbox, brainstorm new ideas for Virtual Networkers—all without the buzz of back-to-back meetings.
In early June, I sat down to write my to-do list for No Zoom July. I had big plans. Writing my next book. Working on my signature talk. Event planning.
But when I looked at my list, my energy dropped. Not an ounce of excitement. Just… fatigue.
Instead of feeling energized by possibility, I felt depleted by obligation.
That’s when my thoughts wandered to New Port Richey, Florida.
Home.
The town where I was raised. The place where my parents are buried. The neighborhood where I raised my boys. The street where my sister, Sandie, and brother-in-law, Charlie, still live. The dog parks where my friend Shawna and I co-hosted basset hound meet-ups.
I hadn’t been back in two years.
And then came the whisper:
“What if, instead of catching up on work, you caught up with the people you love?”
It felt both exhilarating and irresponsible. I had made a commitment to spend July working on my business. But I also made a commitment to myself—to build a business that supported my life.
And what’s the point of creating your own schedule if you don’t use it to schedule rest? Joy? Connection? Real, restorative vacation?
Good-bye, to-do list. Hello, Florida.
So I threw out the to-do list and booked my trip.
Ten days. Me, my basset hounds (Trixie and Ellsworth), my son Anthony, my Florida roots, and absolutely no work.
And let me tell you: Trixie and Ellsworth had a blast. They are the best travel companions—amiable, social, and lovers of all humans and dogs alike. They had a full social calendar of their own. Two parties. A basset hound meet-up. Playtime with their mini Aussie cousins. And perhaps the sweetest moment of all—Trixie reunited with her basset brother, Warren. It was joyful, chaotic, slobbery perfection.
Meanwhile, I shared stories and food and memories. I felt the deep comfort of being with people who loved me unconditionally. I unplugged in every sense of the word, and when I came back home, I felt recalibrated.
The truth is: The projects and to-do lists were still there when I got back. But now I had the energy to meet them.
Lessons from this No Zoom July
Here’s what this No Zoom July taught me:
- I have permission to not spend July in front of the computer. I can go on vacation instead (and I should).
- No Zoom time doesn’t just need to be in July. I’ve now scheduled a “No Zoom Week” every month for the rest of 2025. Time for focused work, rest, or travel—whatever my spirit needs.
- I deeply missed my family and friends. I didn’t realize how much until I was with them again. I’ve already planned my next Florida trip for the end of September.
As I write this, I’m back home—Trixie and Ellsworth snoozing at my feet after their whirlwind Florida tour—and my heart feels full. The work is still here, yes. But so is my energy. So is my clarity. So is me.
Dear Loud Woman: You get to choose how you rest and where you recharge. And you absolutely have permission to unplug—whether that’s for a month, a week, or just a weekend.
Nothing will shatter when you do.
In fact, you and your business will thank you.