These
two things above aren't easy to balance. Most people are good at one or the
other rarely both. The same for me. I have mastered one area and struggled in
the other.
Then
came along my severance period from the company I used to work at. I had always
promised myself having worked for large companies all my adult life that I
would never resign. I deserved a severance package and I was going to make sure
I never left the company without one.
At
the time it doesn't feel like a gift. But in reality it is. Everyone had always
told me that and it is true. A bit like a maternity leaves ... A gift of time (without
having to take care of a bebe!)
For
me I used that time to work and build further my company as that was what was best
for me and my family. I needed to very quickly secure our financial well-being
for the future. But I also used that time to get much more disciplined with
good habits. The extra flexibility in mornings allowed me to do what I have
always wanted to do in mornings until 9:30am. And just overall allowed me to
choose more how I use my time (although I work more than I ever did at a big company
in many ways)
If I
look back at my life and routines and patterns... I have always been good at
making time for the things and people important to me . Mostly the big stuff
like vacations and spa days and time alone as a couple etc .
Some
of the more ordinary day to day stuff however that is still important to me
like cooking for the family , making time for one on one time with the kids ,
lingering over late night chats with the kids when I am tired etc. .. I want to
so but don't do as often as I want
I am
very very diciplined in many areas of my life ( especially work as nobody can
believe I work from home and actually sit in my home office and work in work
clothes when not at clients offices or meetings )
However
things at home I am less disciplined about.
Recently
I have begun much more consistently making time for important stuff both big
and small and good habits:
Watching
a show with Beauty once a week on Wednesdays
Watching
a show with Bear some Wednesdays
Exercising
consistently and walking rain shine or snow to the gym
Drinking
protein shakes in mornings for over 1.5 yrs. now
Going
to the cottage with Soulkeeper a few times a year just the two of us
Trying
to plan a health kick exercise boot camp yoga week for myself. Locations tbd .
Cottage ? Caribbean?
Combing
business travel with pleasure to see friends (sister savvy in toe not coming up
soon ...etc.)
Getting
to bed by 11:45pm
Listening
to the news each time I am in the car
Buying
a treadmill (which is still in a box in the garage!)
Being
in a routine of cooking twice a week. Omg ! It is actually happening!
One
thing I have wanted to do door years now and have not gotten in a regular habit
since the kids were little are 1-1 dates with each kid. So tonight I grabbed my
daughter and want to a great pad Thai place just the two of us (best pad Thai
and spring rolls ever despite them being very cheap on the lime slices!!!) was
a really nice night with beauty and I realized how important this is to do - to
connect in this way.
Next
is Bear and then Chase
Got
home to a pile of work and home stuff as was downtown with a client all day and
decided to ignore it all. Sat at table with Chase while he ate his dinner... Watched
a show with Beauty (our fave series ) got on cozy pjs and just lay in bed .
I am
capturing and enjoying many more moments . At the same time I am the most
disciplined with good habits I have ever been .
And
it feels good !
If
the business and money can continue I come in .. This entrepreneurial lifestyle
ain't half bad ! But as we all know it's never consistent is it?
I am
just realizing lately to listen more to my wants and need and desired and my heart.
Use my head a little less and soak up all those ordinary moments that make up a
day and feel good. So what if I look like the Easter bunny in my big pink
flannel too and skippers or my sheets are flannel. They feel sooooo good .
So
do my chats with the kids and take the
time to make fajitas I home cooked . All
the moments that make up a day is really what we are left with when it comes
down to it .
I am
shifting . So are my moments .
