"A small step forward in life can be a huge step forward for the spirit." I remember reading this Eastern script translation a few years ago. I have thought much about this phrase over these years and quite often have wondered about what its connotations are.

I am writing this note from a catamaran in a cozy marina in Western Italy. When one is at sea, it is easy to indulge in the relaxation which always accompanies deep thoughts and insights we often don’t consider in our hectic daily lives.

So many of us work around the clock, buried and entangled within the spider web of the many excuses for our own neglectful inactions in life. Some people I know in the high-tech industry have not taken vacation for years. They walk around like zombies, with stressed-out minds and spirits and waning self-esteem. I spoke to such an individual just a few days ago. As it happened, I felt privileged to be able to help him open up and pour out his aching heart to another man (which does not often happen in my chauvinist culture). He confessed, "I am falling apart. I feel down most of the day. The relationship with my wife is going down the drain and I have less patience for my kids. My whole body aches more times than it not. I wish there was a way for me to go away for a few days of sailing to relax my mind and get away from it all. I need it so badly," he finally added.

I am willing to bet that each one of you know at least one person around you who is experiencing the feelings described above. I am even certain you are able to empathize with some of these complaints. My suggestion to you is to do anything you can to encourage these individuals to "take a small step" and take a break, even if it is just for one day. I am going through an intense period at work and have chosen to take a much needed step forward by stepping out of the office. Being able to smell the sea in the air and experiencing the beauty of sailing into the wind has already made my soul feel better, and will help me return to work more energized. Take yourself out to the beach in the evening, watch the sunset, ride a bike for a few hours, listen to good music while looking at your favorite photographs. Life is good. With a small step forward in life and huge step forward for your soul, you will truly be able to appreciate that.

Yoram Yahav
CEO