A few summers ago, as I was trying to finish up my dissertation for my entrepreneurship PhD, my wife and kids went to her parents for the weekend (I think it was Independence Day).

As they were packing up to leave, I thought, "Being at home by myself for several days, I will be free to focus on finishing up this dissertation so I can get my degree and move on to the next chapter in my life."

A day or so layer, I found myself unable to concentrate, feeling a bit lonely and realizing that no amount of 'accomplishment' can replace the joy and companionship of sharing life with those you love, and who love you back. I eventually finished the dissertation, but gained a greater appreciation that weekend of 'the ties that bind us' to those we love.

Sometimes freedom is not all its cracked up to be.