First of all, hello to all - I am back from a month of R&R including a week in Mont-Tremblant. Decadent you may say. Yes and it feels absolutely so and it feels wonderful. I want to be a great role model for all of you. Anyone who reads blogs about self-care, coaching, personal development is usually not someone who over-does it on the R&R front.
In fact, the R&R issue is so important that I could talk about it every day. It has become a taboo in our "bottom line" society - I am talking here about the money issue - to admit to taking time off often to read, rest, relax and just be, to be working part-time, to sleep in until 8 a.m., etc. etc. etc.
I still hear people boast that they never take all their holidays. Others pride themselves in reminding people how busy they are and that they have so much to do and on and on and on. Both genders are guilty of this but because I now coach women almost exclusively - simply because men are more difficult to reach and often feel that I can't coach them because I specialize coaching women.
I hear women justify why they can't or won't take the time: there is too much work, so they put themselves last and still eat their lunch at the desk while finishing a project; they stay late and miss doing much needed exercise because there is so much work; they put themselves last at home for fear of causing tension if they ask that everybody pitch in; they long to start a hobby or read a novel, but there is no time. They act as if their life can wait until there is more time.
Until you, yes you out there stop and either believe or at least make an act of faith that your life matters enough that it comes before your work in the order of priority, you will feel like you are losing the game. Work is part of the game, but it's not the game. Everything is part of the game, but you are it.
If you are not up at the top of your priority list, then you are selling yourself short. And that goes even if you have young children who need you. You must take care of Number One so you can be there for them - for a long time.
Now, put the work aside, put on your roller blades, your walking shoes or your bathing suit and go out and play. Pack a lunch and eat at the beach or in the park. Make this day a fun day, with your loved ones or just by yourself. Pretend you only have today to live.
Your coach
Marguerite Tennier
http://www.canadascoach.com
