When you are a working mom, either part-time or full-time, it's hard to find time to plan ahead, much less think about anything other than getting through to the weekend. That's why I've come to welcome the occasional short business trip as a way to step back and think about what's really important to my life.

I just got back from an overnight trip to Louisiana. Even though I and a colleague had to drive through a monsoon, and deal with the usual airline delays and inconveniences, I enjoyed the trip. No making school lunches or dinners for 2 days! Time to actually read a magazine cover to cover! Have stimulating conversations about issues in my field of work!

But this trip also gave me time to think about how well my son and daughter have been adjusting to life in the Triangle area since moving here from Michigan in January; appreciate my husband for having the job flexibility to care for the kids while I'm gone; and feel hopeful that we will find new friends and community here. I let go of the little worries and focused on the long-term benefits.

I came back last evening with new enthusiasm to tackle the challenges ahead, and my kids and my husband were happy to see me.

That's the zen of business trips - the ability to let go of your self-consciousness and critical thoughts about what's happening at home, and accept where you are in the moment.