Sorry for the delay between posts. I think this will become a summer tradition of taking a break. We all need a break. A break from what stresses us. Though I enjoy social media and blogging, taking a break gives us time to process, ponder, shift, organize, and most importantly, reenergize.
In my life and career, taking breaks is not easy. There is "always" work to be done. A wise person counseled me early in my career, and the message was simple.
The work will still be here tomorrow.
At first, I took this very literally, and it did allow me to release and go home for the night. As I moved into management and leadership positions, I started to realize a deeper and more profound meaning to this wisdom shared many years earlier. Reflecting on this message and taking it to heart, I put into practice mentoring and helping others "go home, as the work will still be here tomorrow".
Let me share some deeper wisdom I’ve personally learned from this simple phrase.
As a busy parent, make time for your kids. Be present. Go on vacations or staycations. Money is not needed, but time is required. Go camping in your backyard; sleep on the trampoline under the stars; float a river; find a lake; develop a new skill with your spouse or children; or take on a new hobby together.
As a busy business owner, stop and just talk to people. Your clients, your employees, your spouse. Put down the phone or lock your workstation. Listen and be present. Leave your office, have lunch with the team. Create space for a team event. Close the business doors for an afternoon and do something fun. Your clients will respect an owner who makes time for his people. Just say "thank-you" more. When your employees see you appreciate breaks and you enable them to take breaks, I know for a fact they will work harder and more reliably for you between the breaks.
As a busy spouse, make time for breakfast, or lunch, or be early for dinner together. Have regular date nights without distractions. Take vacations or staycations without the kids. Make time for budget meetings and family councils, scripture time, prayer time, and conversation time.
Trust me, there are always things to keep us busy, but it’s the efforts we make to take breaks that will help us grow and endure all of life’s challenges.
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