Time to Rest
I just got back from a one-night getaway with my hubby. It was a belated birthday experience at the Elora Mill and Spa -- if you live in SW Ontario, I say it's worth the drive. With the glorious fall colours as a backdrop, we walked through the quaint town, did a mini-hike by the gorge, took time to read on our private balcony and just had some time to rest together.
We've done trips like this before; in and of itself, it's not a new experience for us. Although, this one was a bit on the more extravagant side, admittedly; let's face it, my husband treats me like the queen I am. :) .
What WAS different about this trip, was that we took it mid-week. Usually, such getaways have been reserved for weekends and traditional "holiday" seasons. With my husband being recently retired from the education field, and with my own work schedule having some wiggle-room in it, mid-week was possible. It almost felt decadent to take time off "during the work week".
This got me thinking about how we as a society hold concepts of rest, restoration, and rejuvenation. If we're really honest, we understand the importance of them; we like the idea of them; and we don't make a whole lot of time for them. Times of rest are actually seen as an indulgence, especially when they fall outside of the conventional "rest periods".
I think it's time for us to get over ourselves.
Yes, I'm making a broad, sweeping generalization here.
Yes, I understand that most people have certain expectations and parameters that govern their work responsibilities.
And yes, I think it's important that we honour those expectations and parameters.
That being said, when I look out at my clients, there's a common trap that I see folks falling into; the trap is one that is usually self-set, and that means it can be unset by one's self as well. In a nutshell, we have to ensure that the parameters and expectations of work don't get made bigger by our own fears.
What fears?
Fear of being fired.
Fear of falling behind.
Fear of being overlooked.
Fear of missing out on an opportunity for advancement.
I know that in some cases these fears are real and justified. So often, though, assuming that you are, in fact, doing your job and doing it well, there is little need to go "above and beyond." Those of you who have followed me for a while will know that I have little patience for "above and beyond." It's a seductive trap that rarely leads to good places.
Am I saying that you should do only the bare minimum? Nope.
Am I saying that you should neglect your responsibilities in favor of being lazy? Nope.
Am I saying that work responsibilities aren't important? Hardly.
What I am saying is that it's important to make time for genuine rest, play, relaxation, and meaningful connection. Stop waiting for "someday" -- the saying that "life is too short" is more than a cliche; it's truth.
Bottom-line: the focus and commitment that you put towards your work, must be mirrored in the focus that you put towards rest and rejuvenation. Rest is as important to your well-being as anything that you might accomplish at work. Go ahead and give your work your all; just make sure you also give your all to the other parts of your life -- your leisure, your rest, your connections -- because when it comes right down to it, these parts are just as important to a life well-lived.