Newsletter: Work and Play 09
For many reasons I had to take really good care of myself this past weekend. I didn't answer emails, phone calls, needs, demands, wants and even something I had committed to. Of course my health and well being was my priority but I had this nagging feeling that I was doing something wrong.
So I decided to explore it. Why do we have this feeling of guilt when we take care of ourselves first and foremost outside of our work environment? I'm sure many of you have NO problem with this. But for the ones who do, play along with me.
One thing I realized is that we all have roles we play in both our personal and professional lives. Especially if you're doing something you adore, boundaries can be fudged easily.
My role is wise one with answers. So of course being in that role I am constantly asked questions within my work environment and personal time.
There is no space, no down time between work and play. It's all one and the same. So if someone works 8 hours and goes home to down time, you or I may work 8 hours plus another 4 in our social time.
What role do you play? Are you playing it all the time? What desperate measures do you end up taking to take care of yourself when your boundaries are pushed? Are you fudging the boundaries by not speaking up for yourself? Do you feel you'll lose relationships if you're not playing that role?
I personally adore what I do. I'm coming to realize to do it well requires time to readjust, realign and rejuvenate. As a follow up to a previous email, it's ok to say NO when work and pleasure is being mixed up. You may love what you do, it doesn't mean that you do it all the time. A doctor leaves his or her office and stops working. People understand and respect that. You need to as well in your life.
Stay health, stay well.
Mona