I just got back from one of the best weeks of my life.

My husband, kids, and I flew to Cabo for my niece Coryn's wedding. And let me tell you, when someone with a master's degree in Experience Design who also happens to work for Google plans a wedding, you're not just attending a ceremony. You're entering a fully immersive, jaw-dropping, joy-filled experience that puts Disney to shame.

From the second we arrived at Mar del Cabo, this gorgeous little boutique resort right on the beach, it was clear that every single detail had been thought through. 

Coryn & Nick had the entire place booked out just for guests, so it felt like one big family vacation… with way better food, a lot more tequila, and themed outfit guidelines for literally every event.

(My teenage daughters loved the outfit requirements—my wallet, less so.)

There was Pilates on the beach. A sunset cruise to see the famous arch where we jumped off the boat into the ocean. Welcome parties, beach dinners, heartfelt toasts, late-night dancing, and yes—more tequila shots than I should probably admit.

It was five straight days of pure connection, laughter, and being completely present in the moment.

And maybe the best part? Almost my whole extended family was there too. All four of my siblings. My dad and stepmom. Nearly all of my nieces and nephews. We're normally scattered across the country—and the world—so this kind of reunion is incredibly rare. 

Having that many of us in one place felt like a gift I didn't know I needed.

Because even though my relationship with some of my siblings has been complicated over the years, there was no drama this time. No, there wasn’t some big emotional reconciliation or emotional breakthroughs. But no tension either.

And sometimes, that's enough.

But here's what stood out most to me this week—and it wasn't the beauty or the parties or even the togetherness (though all of that was amazing).

It was Coryn herself.

Because while she poured her heart and soul into every single detail—creating something truly magical for everyone else—she also had the time of her life. 

She danced until her feet hurt. She laughed until her face was sore. She took shots with her cousins and made everyone feel welcome and loved.

She didn’t just glow, she radiated.

And watching her soak in every moment while providing the most incredible experience for her guests reminded me of a truth that’s sometimes easy to lose sight of in the midst of the day-to-day grind:

You don't have to choose between working hard and playing hard.

You can do both. And you should.

In fact, sometimes I feel like there are two different versions of me. There's Tuesday through Thursday Ruth, when I'm working 14-hour days and totally immersed in my business. And then there's Weekend Ruth, when I'm completely focused on my family and friends.

Both versions are necessary. Both feed the other.

Because joy is not frivolous. It's fuel.

Fun doesn't make you less focused. It makes you more whole.

Mary Oliver once wrote, "It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world." Along those same lines, Anne Lamott noted that "almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you."

In other words? Life isn't meant to be serious all the time. 

Sometimes the best thing you can do is pour the tequila, kick off your shoes, and dance barefoot in the sand.

That's where the magic happens. That's where connection lives. That's where we remember who we actually are.

So this week, my challenge for you is simple: plan something purely for fun. No agenda. No purpose beyond joy.

Bonus points if it involves people you love. Even more if you go all in.

Live with purpose, friend, and have an amazing week!

xoxo, Ruth

P.S. One way to make more time for fun is to create better AI systems for your work. If that’s something you’re interested in learning more about, be sure to join me next week for a free half-day business workshop I’m teaching called AI Engine. You can get signed up HERE.

This week’s podcast episode…

What’s cooking in my kitchen…

Here’s the recipe I shared recently:

The latest from my Instagram…

Instagram is my jam! If you’re there too, I’d love to connect with you—find me at @RuthSoukup or @ruthsoukupbiz for online business tips!

ruthsoukup

262K followers

View more on Instagram