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Finding a new rhythm

I've been back home for a week now. I enjoyed the fresh mountain air in Switzerland. I enjoyed being close to Ton for several weeks. I enjoyed walking in Valais, although some passages still make me sweat at night. I enjoyed reading all those books. I enjoyed the food Ton cooked for me. I enjoyed being away from my home in which I spend too many hours. I enjoyed sleeping as long as I liked. I enjoyed visiting our friends. I enjoyed all the cheese the Swiss produce. I enjoyed all the chocolate I ate.

And now I'm back and to be very honest I would love to pack and move again. I'm realizing now I've been 'on' far too long. I didn't give myself time off. During the past two years I haven't allowed myself to take a break. Even during weekends I felt obliged to 'do' things. I kept going on and on telling myself to work, find a job, write, blog etc. etc. The load kept piling upon my shoulders and in the end I was too tired to be able to work at all. See the vicious circle?

Last week Ton and I took some time to clean up our home office. We've thrown out loads of paper. It is now more my room instead of ours, meaning that Ton is not allowed to clutter the space ;-). And I'm allowing myself more time off. For now I work four days a week and on a regular basis I have a whole week to myself. Hey, I decide when and how much I work. That's a position to exploit! The coming months I'll be spending on finding my own rhythm.

Permalink | TrackBack (by Elmine Wijnia on August 19, 2005 10:50 AM)

Comments

Hi Elmine - nice to hear you again.

Not sure if you remember me. I'm the Scots/Kiwi who sat next to you at the last dinner of reboot.

IMHO, time out from 'real life' is widely under-rated.

After 15 years of full-on corporate life, I burnt out and took 6 months off to get my shit together (walking up beaches naked , massage therapy courses, delivering meals-on-wheels to elderly people).

I got a wee bit closer to figuring out who I was, and what I wanted 'to contribute'.

Authenticity (aligning one's thoughts, words and deeds) seems to be the key to lots of cool stuff (positive mental health, wealth generation, meaningful relationships...)

Not sure why I've written this. Although I suspect it's been prompted by the emotional risk you took in your latest post.

Warm regards,

Paul.

PS. These days, my business is totally rocking and I'm happier with my life/family/relationships/the whole caboodle more than ever.

Posted by: Paul Hannay at August 20, 2005 2:05 AM

Of course I remember you, Paul. Thanks for your warm words!

Posted by: Elmine at August 22, 2005 9:27 AM

Thanks very much for the article. i just realized how badly I need to take a break with my family.
Amber

Posted by: Amber at September 16, 2005 11:14 AM