Wow, it’s already Christmas week and I barely had any time to enjoy it. I have been rushing around for the last few weeks – so much to do and so little time. Do you know the feeling? Well, I am realizing it’s self-imposed. I want to do everything and fit it all in. In the meantime, I am forgetting to enjoy any of it.
It was my manager that reminded me what’s really important. She said “This is the most magical time of the year with family. Work can wait. Take more time off. Our work may be important but it’s not life and death. And it will be here next year for you.” She is right. I realized that I was so caught up with my work that I was going to work all 3 days this week even though my parents are in town from Houston. It’s amazing how addictive work can be and not necessarily in a good way.
- Yes, work is important.
- Yes, I care about work.
- But… time with family is actually part of the reason I work….I just forgot for a moment and got caught up
So what are you doing this week? I hope you will say, I am spending time with my family. If not, it’s still not too late. We all have the power to change our routine and our addiction to work. Stop today and give yourself permission to enjoy life. You can do it.
- I submitted my PTO request today which my manager approved readily
- I already made some fun plans tomorrow with my family
- I made no plans for Xmas Eve – sometimes there is beauty in planning nothing
- While I haven’t bought everything for everyone for Xmas, I decided it’s okay. I am not a superhuman and frankly my family doesn’t care about that. They just want time with me.
So for this holiday season, I am
- Learning to give up some things on my to-do list
- Learning how to have no plans and enjoy it
- Learning the simple moments to just be with my parents and my kids – whatever we may be doing that moment
I thank you for your support of my Soft Skill blog. I wish you joy and happiness in life as well as career success. I am learning everyday that success without happiness is no success at all. I hope you will choose to take time to be with family and friends this holiday season. Enjoy life!!
Lei
Hi Lei,
I am getting back to you late in the Holiday season, however, I have been spending time with family and friends and for the first time in many years, actually experienced what two weeks is like to rest and relax. To minimize my anxiety of returning to work, I decided to organize and even respond to my emails. I wish you well in the New Year and look forward to working with you in 2015.
Best Wishes.
Henry
Henry, thank you for writing me. Glad to hear you had a chance to rest and relax with your family. Happy New Year! Best wishes and keep me posted on how you are doing.