Do you feel like it is hard to take a break guilt-free? This is something I used to struggle with too….but not so much anymore. Enjoy this post below!
If there is one thing that I know how to do this week, it is how to take a break from “work”. This has inspired me to write a post and touch base with all the wonderful readers that are visiting my blog. Thank you to all of you that do! I am in Vancouver right now visiting family. I have been eating, shopping, reading… and drinking 20% blackberry wine that my Mom’s neighbour made by accident. (P.S. It is beyond incredible!)
I felt the need to take a “productive break” to rejuvenate me and help me to come back to focusing “in the moment” with an appreciation of all I have.
The Holiday’s are a time to spend with those you care about. It is important for them as well as yourself, to be present. That is the greatest gift we can give one another and is absolutely priceless.
How to Take a Break – Tip Number 1 – Know When You Deserve It.
I look back at this year and think to myself- FUCK YEAH.
I feel more aligned and on course than ever before, I am excited to build upon my passions, my inner calling- and express my true authenticity and creativity in ways that I have never before.
We live in a culture of work. Work-work-work. I notice a lot of people do not know how to take a break.
A true break.
Going out for dinner to “connect”, but spending the entire time on your cell phone doesn’t count.
I get it- the guilt, the desire to be productive and to not let all that has been built and created slip through the cracks or into someone else’s harder working hands….
I also get the allure and constant pull in with technology. Trust me, I am guilty of it too.
I have heard a lot of business influencers lately (ahem, Gary Vaynerchuk) who tell us that unless we are constantly utilizing and exploiting every single fucking moment (l can literally hear him say this) then we will accumulate to nothing in this current climate.
I disagree.
I am not against Gary V- his hussle is real and he sets a great example for many aspiring entrepreneurs out there.
I think that yes, one must put in the time and efforts to reach the achievement they strive for- it is all apart of the process.
But I am suggesting that you take a moment- stop and smell the roses on the way.
Realize there is more before it is too late.
Get Back to What Holds Real Value
Work will be there – it always is. The real value comes in the moments of connection with others such as friends and family, and the little joys that bring you back into a space of center and calm. For me, it is spending time walking in nature and just enjoying the beautiful country that I live in. This will include taking off the month of January (somewhat) to go skiing and also focus on my yoga practice and take a course.
Thought Pattern: “But I Want to Be Successful in Life! I have no Time for a Break!”
One might say that in the past week I have not been all that productive- but actually… I have.
“Unproductive” – Said Who?
The funny thing is that in this time of “unproductivity” a lot of productive realizations have come into play. I won’t get into them too heavily within this post, but there have been some wonderful long-term realizations and understandings that have given me greater insight into who I am and the direction I am headed within this last week than I have had in the past few months.
How To Take A Break- Tip Number 2 – Make a Plan and Allow it to Happen.
For many, it seems to be easier said than done.
Technology surrounds us and it can be oh-so-tempting to check an email or a message on your phone, but don’t just listen to me- listen to advice from many who have lived before us.
Within the top regrets of older people on their deathbed is wishing they did not work so much- taking more time to “stop and smell the roses”.
Will it matter in the end?
Wait until your dead, or recognize in the end that we all die so what is it all for anyway? Your choice. I am only writing some food for thought here.
I DO want to utilize this lifetime- one of my greatest fears is to waste this lifetime doing “nothing contributing” with it.
But- I still stand strong with leisure time and taking quality breaks.
Please don’t wait until your dead- or rather too old, to truely enjoy what you want in life. Moments, places… even things all contribute as a value-add into my life thus far. I feel fortunate to have done quite a bit of travel around this globe and to experience several different cultures, tastes, smells, cultures… ways of being. All have enhanced my life in ways that have made me who I am today and helped to further my appreciation of everything even more.
Yes, taking a break sounds nice, dosen’t it?
Sometimes, however, there are things that get in the way…..
Thought Pattern: “But the things I need to do keep bothering me in my mind”.
Write a to-do list- get it down and then let it go. you can go back to it later. trust me it will still be there.
I find this to be very helpful- I constantly have things I “need to get done” and by writing them down in my planner (yes, write by hand in a tangible book) I find it freeing and also comforting to know that I will not “forget what needs to be done”.
How to Take a Break – It is up to you. It is Your Choice.
Exploring the constant need to keep busy is also something that I have done- recognizing that it could be an avoidance tactic to keep busy and not actually deal with inner work that needs to be dealt with or any uncomfortable feelings that might come up when there is finally “space and time” is an actual thing.
Just Saying.
Maybe you are absolutely exhausted with all the amazing hard work you have done this year. Perhaps you are just needing to make a bit more space in life for things that really matter or a moment to stop and appreciate all that you have this season – or you might be recognizing you might need to explore something at a deeper level.
Wherever you are at, have an amazing holiday season- and don’t forget how to give yourself a break!
Comment below an let me know how you are taking your break this season!
Love & Light xo
AK
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