Disconnect to Reconnect
This summer was different than my previous summers.
Owning my own business meant a different sort of flexibility with my time. Pick up and drop off for kids could be lax and workouts and housework could be done at any time of day. Plus, I had the freedom to schedule as much vacation time as I wanted!
While this may seem glamorous to some, it didn’t necessarily feel that way. As someone with a spicy brain, it can be hard to organize my time and determine priorities, especially when my home is also my workplace. There is always something that needs to be cleaned, a kid to be picked up, a call to make, a bill to pay…oh and this amazing business I’m trying to build too, ugh😫 It can be very overwhelming!
In the past, I would focus on “fixing” my overwhelm, with poor results. But this summer was different, I learned something new.
Sometimes I need to disconnect to truly reconnect with what’s important.
This summer I’ve gone away multiple times. When I returned, everything just felt easier. Spending time with family, caring for a loved one, or taking a vacation felt so hard to do when I was stressed out and overwhelmed, but it turned out to be a blessing.
When I was away, it was easier for me to focus on basic self-care, connect with other people, and allow myself extra time to indulge in the little things. With my brain freed up a bit, I was able to gain some perspective on what was truly important and how to prioritize it.
This might sound crazy- but what I’m learning is that when I feel SUPER busy- that’s my que to plan time away. It usually means I’m getting caught up in minutia rather than seeing the big picture. That’s just not the kind of life I want to live anymore, and I intend to act accordingly. I encourage you to do the same!
The work
I’m not saying you need to take an elaborate vacation to Hawaii, although that sounds truly amazing and if you go, send me pics!
What I am saying is that if you are feeling super busy, overwhelmed, or stuck- now might be a good time to disconnect, as hard as that may feel.
I challenge you to plan time to get away- whatever that means for you.
🌻Can you stay with a friend or family member for a weekend?
🌻Can you go to the beach for the day?
🌻Can you book the vacation you’ve been putting off?
What can you do to get away? Put on your out of office, leave the email and to-do lists and just exist?
Wrap up
I know how simple this sounds, but my years in HR tell me that you’ve done the same thing- thought “I can’t possibly take time away right now, there is so much going on!” Listen Linda- if you are on the cusp of burnout, you aint doin nobody no good- plan a day off, or take your ass to the beach after work to watch the sunset- do something!
Plan on it. Act on it. Cherish it.
With love, Jess