I struggled to make the connection between the words on the page. They were meant, or so we were all told, to be linked together through topic, meaning, or general “vibes.” One word that would tie all of them together somehow. But I wasn’t seeing it. Wasn’t seeing the “big picture.” I think that’s what this was about. Something about seeing the forest from the trees…or maybe the trees from the forest? I honestly don’t know.

What I do know is that I was flown out to a beautiful, tropical island, on a staff retreat, and they’ve kept us cooped up in conference rooms playing pointless games for the past three days. So much for R&R, I don’t think I’ve lived a more rigid schedule than I have since arriving here. All team building, group outings, and scheduled meals. I’m about at my breaking point.

I want out. Need out. And I might be ready to act on my desires.

I stare at the three words on the page again and suddenly I get it.

Artist.

Fire.

Room.

The answer—the connection between them, the big picture—is out the window. It’s beyond the walls of this over-air-conditioned conference room and out in the sun. On the beach. In the water. It’s away from all…this.

I smile.

Without bothering to write the answer on the page, I pick up my bag, ignoring the stares of the other trapped workers who watch but say nothing. I vaguely wonder if I’ll get fired for this. But I don’t even care anymore.

Those three random words were the wake up call I needed to finally. And I decided to listen.