I’ve become more solitary over the past dozen years, or so, though it has been in my nature since before my teen years. Whether it is behind four walls, or out in nature, I am fine with few, or no, people around. When dealing with traffic (on the rare occasion that I’m in a big city), or crowds, I will sometimes repeat a song chorus. My wife and sons are quite familiar with me breaking into the song for about five seconds.  I bet you know it, too.   “…a three-hour tour, a three-hour tour.”

Of course, that comes from the theme song from the television show, “Gilligan’s Island.” The premise of the series is that a small group of folks went on a boat tour that was supposed to last three hours, yet, due to bad weather and a wreck, they found themselves stranded on a deserted island. Ah, a deserted island. I could go for that.  I think. Probably not.

My point is that sometimes we should seek “a three-hour tour, a three-hour tour”:  that is, getting “lost” and away from too many people, too much technology, too much noise, too much interaction, too many distractions, too little time to be alone with thoughts and contemplation.

Part of the beauty of “a three-hour tour, a three-hour tour” is that the outcome was unintentional. When we allow ourselves time to explore, adventure or discover — as the boat’s crew and passengers did – we sometimes find ourselves in a new place, emotionally and mentally. That can be a good thing…a very good thing. Just as in the show, it may cause you to be innovative and creative, as you see solutions to problems in new ways. It may also remind you how much you really do count on the special people in your life.