Have you kicked your life out in exchange for a growing career?

I wanted to talk to you for a moment and share with you something I learned. Rather, I should say, I was reminded. I knew what I should be doing, but had conveniently pushed it aside and forgotten about it. I believe you may be doing the same thing. It's important not to forget about the importance of life. Let me explain.

You see, I try to post an article every week, work on a book I’m writing, and sometimes I’m working with clients and find myself busy doing research for them. At times, I’m creating classes for some plans that I have for the future.?

In other words, I’m usually too busy to take time off. I have plans; goals to reach. Maybe you do too? Are you making time to play with the kids? Are you spending quality time with your partner? Inviting the neighbors, or friends, over for card night, or to sit outside around a bonfire as you share stories??

That’s where I found myself. Too busy for the things that bring me joy.?

But, for the last two weeks, I haven’t written an article or posted a meme. I haven’t been working on side projects or helping clients. I haven’t done any work at all.

What I have been doing is spending those two weeks with my beautiful grandchildren. No parents, just grandma, and grandpa with the kids. You see, they live in a different state. It turns out that in between visits, our bond can weaken. That’s why getting them during their summer vacation is so important to us. We get to rebond with loved ones. I relish every moment that I get with them.?

Why is this important? Let me tell you a quick story about a job I once had.

This is years back, I was a floor and banquet manager for a family-owned restaurant. They had great food, the place sat on the water’s edge with multiple boat docks. The view was incredible. People would line up for well over an hour on the weekends to eat there.?

I power walked through the dining room at a near jog some nights to keep things running smoothly. It was an active, fun, and fast-paced job, and I loved it. I never took days off, after all, they needed me. Ha! They still survive even though I'm long gone.

Before being a manager, I was a waitress there. I never took time off. I worked anytime I was called in due to someone being unable to come in for their shift. I was loyal and dedicated. Then, when the founder wanted to retire, they asked me to be the first ever manager to replace him. Of course, I jumped on it.?

Funny thing, after about a year, the son of that founder (who happened to be the chef), sat me down and told me I’d been in the position for a year and had never taken time off. I thought it was a compliment. It wasn’t. He told me to pick two weeks within the next month and plan a vacation. When I tried to refuse, he explained that it wasn’t healthy and that if I didn’t do it, he’d not let me back to work for two weeks. A forced vacation. And humiliation if it got out that I was not allowed to come into work for two weeks.

I didn’t get vacation pay, what would I do for money during those two weeks? I never thought to save up for vacations, since I never planned on taking one. To my surprise, he handed me a few hundred dollars (back in the early 80s it was more than enough) and told me to go enjoy myself.?

And I did! I created beautiful memories, had a great time, and felt refreshed and energized. I hadn't realized how much I was missing in life, or that I had pushed away my life to fulfill a job.?

That lesson became a one-week vacation tradition, twice a year for me.

Somehow, as the years passed and I sought out a new career, I lost sight of taking those vacations. I became busy and began to once again push life to the side.

If you are doing this yourself, please remember, when you come to the end of this journey, what will you be grateful for? The times spent working and ignoring your family and friends? Will you be sad thinking that you didn’t power work enough? Or will you regret not having taken the vacations, spending the weekends with family instead of pouring over reports??

This is important.

This is your life.

So, this is my article for the week. It’s a reminder for myself, as well as for you. Remember that life is meant to be enjoyed and shared with those you care about.?

I generally like to offer a list of things you can start doing right away as a solution to my article's topic.?

So, here's my list, it's simple and to the point because I don't think you need the list.

1. Make time for family and friends.?

2. Work smarter, not harder, and work less.

Build memories, not project reports. Or at least, build MORE memories than reports.

A bonus benefit is having increased creativity and energy for your job.?

I loved these past two weeks. They are now precious memories as I get back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle some intense projects that I have been putting off.?

I hope you enjoyed this article. If you find yourself unable to take time to relax, or if you are feeling anxious or stressed and believe you are not able to take time off of work to enjoy life, contact me at [email protected]

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Cathy Ostema is a Holistic Health Coach and Spiritual Coach. She specializes in helping others reach their goals. You can reach Cathy at [email protected]