BEACH TIME 2000-One-Nine
I find I tend to go one of two ways: super busy and stressed or lazy. It’s hard to find that happy medium. I’m learning, but I still struggle. Saying “no” to great people and possibly super fun things is tough, but necessary. I’ve been there, said “yes” to all the things. Some because it was necessary, some because it sounded fun, and some out of obligation. It happens. Sometimes the “yes” needs to be said, but more often than not, there needs to be some “no’s” sprinkled in there for our sanity and overall well-being.
Balance and rest. Balance of work and play, professional and social, talking and listening, yes and no. I’ve had several jobs that come with vacation time. I’ve never fully felt comfortable taking that vacation, though. Until now. It’s not that I am that important, crucial to the every-day workings of the establishment otherwise all would fall apart. Ya, no. I didn’t know how to have balance. My jobs were stressful. I took on too much; said too many “yesses”. I didn’t feel the freedom, or peace, to say “no,” to take the break and choose rest. Like I said, I struggle with having that balance of committing myself to excellence at work and also enjoying my personal life the other 118-128 hours of the week. Until now.
Today I’m resting. I’m writing this post from a beach chair, overlooking two kiddos playing in the pool while ocean waves pound the clean morning sand. I’m a little sunburnt, otherwise I’d be out there playing right along with them, as I have been the past three days. We’ve built sand castles, mermaids, dolphins, and stingrays. We’ve gathered an inordinate amount of seashells to supposedly craft something with when we get back home in remembrance of our time at the beach. We been tossed to and fro by the ocean with only a smidgen of fear we will get swept away (no fear for Ben, actually…he needs a little more). We’ve eaten all the fresh seafood you can imagine, along with fried green tomatoes and Swamp Soup…a MUST when going to Gulf Shores, AL. We’ve driven go-carts and bumper boats, played putt-putt, and won tickets at the arcade. We’ve gone for walks on the beach at dusk because it’s gorgeous and why wouldn’t you?! When the kids are asleep, we enjoy our adult beverages, sit on the deck, and chat the evening away. We rest, and rest well.
In this season of my life I’m finally choosing balance and rest. I’m purposefully taking the vacation time, saying the “yesses” that fit and the “no’s” that don’t. I don’t want to waste any more moments on self-inflicted busyness and stress, or laziness because it’s the default opposite of the busy. I want to be excellent, rested, and joyful. Having balance in my life gives me space for all those. Sometimes that means not being productive but instead just being present. Sometimes it means reading a book on the beach instead of checking email.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to the pool to play some “Look at me, Dee!”
