This week I’m going to start living my New Year’s resolution. Ok – so I am 6 months late.
My resolution? To create a better balance between work and play. Actually, I should have made it: to put play back into my life. Hey, I know it’s not easy to do this — I’ve been working with clients for years who struggle with this.
I’d actually assumed I was doing it in my own life. There were so many years that working was so difficult, being so sick, that I believed it was good to go full steam to make up for the lost time. And, I told myself it’s ok because I love what I do. It’s been easy to convince myself that I don’t need much of a break.
But you can get too much of a good thing. Working can be terrific (especially if you love what you do) but not if you don’t use the off switch. And, this is especially true if you have a body that is pre-disposed to getting chronically ill, like mine. And, I’ve been getting signals from my body that I need to pull the switch. I’m listening.
It’s summer here in New England and I’m going into another mode. My book, Keep Working, Girlfriend! Women, work and chronic illness, is ready to go to the publisher. I intend to develop my muscles as a healthy relaxing person just as easily as I learned to be a healthy working person. I’m going to live by my intention.
Don’t call me too early, tomorrow. I going to be working hard to develop my play muscles. You’ll find me walking on the beach. I’ll let you know how it’s going in a few weeks.
Rosalind
By the way, if you want to know what’s been happening at the 2007 ADA conference, check out Amy Tenderich’s coverage in Diabetes Mine.
Taunee Besson says
Dear Rosalind,
My partner Gary John, a college professor and counselor, and I invented a process for helping people find a better balance in their lives. It’s called Lifespace. We’ve been using it for years with our clients and students. Now we are making it available to career and life planners, coaches, academic professionals, corporate trainers and others who advise people who want to make positive changes in their careers or lives.
Individuals can go through Lifespace themselves, if they wish. it’s simple, yet profound. Once you know the steps, you can do it on a couple pieces of paper any time, any where. Whenever I’m feeling down, like my life is controlling me, there’s too much on my plate or confused about where and how to go from here, I do a Lifespace. It’s such a relief to get everything that’s swirling around in my head into a diagram on paper, evaluate the pieces, determine what’s missing and decide how to make myself happier. Taking clients through the process is even more gratifying.
If you or your readers would like more information on Lifespace or Workspace, which focuses on career issues, you can go to the Career Dimensions website at http://www.careerdimensions-dfw.com. Click on Life Planning in the left=hand column or Lifespace/Workspace in the menu bar at the top.
I don’t mean to make your blog into a commercial, but when I’ve found or developed a process that really works, I’m compelled to share it.
Taunee
Kerrie Smyres says
I’m so glad you’re making time for yourself to play and relax!
Finding the balance of work and play is a constant negotiation for me. As strange as this sounds, I try to prioritize play over work. If I get caught up in work, I won’t think to play. But if I’m playing, I’ll always take the time necessary to work. I’m more motivated to work efficiently if it means I can get back to playing sooner.
Congratulations on reaching the next stage of your book. Have fun relaxing.
Rosalind Joffe says
Thanks for writing, Taunee. I’m going to check it out for me and to share it with my clients.
Kerrie – I like your model because I, too, find work more “compelling” than play — and that means play doesn’t get enough time.
Hmm, things to mull on while I’m walking the beach.
Rosalind
Sleep Disorders Guide says
HI Rosa,
You are doing a great job and have a informative blog, thanks for sharing. I am new here just wanted to say hi.
Rosalind Joffe says
Thank you. Glad to have you here with us.