The Power of 10 (..days without a screen)

This photo was taken 10 days ago on a very windy cross channel ferry en route to France .?it made me laugh at the time as I thought it looked like my face had been scribbled out with a yellow coloured pencil.?

Fast forward to now, and amidst post holiday reflections the faceless photo on the outbound journey actually seems a bit metaphorical.?I had left it far too long to have a proper break. I hadn’t spent enough time with my children away from my desk. The last few months had been a blur of Business scaling, primary school leavers and secondary school admissions admin and I had just finished a building project that took almost a year. I was quite honestly frazzled. Now, after a holiday with no laptop, no English TV channels, no Netflix or other viewing apps (partly down to choice, partly down to having very crap WiFi) just outdoor life, sunshine, books, walking, cycling, and hanging out with the kids,?I have actually slowed down and I had no idea how fast I was moving until I stopped. I didn't realise that even the things that I thought relaxed me such as viewing binges, working my way through my Spotify playlists until late at night ( yes, even our music involves staring at a screen now) or scrolling mindless instagram reels were really just stress responses. After a complete screen time 'fast' I don’t feel faceless anymore.?I’m more than just the Business owner, a booker?of meeting invitations in the calendar, a school term dates monitor, avid viewer of box sets, or a chef and taxi driver for my children.?

'..as someone who has been so focused on their Business for the last few years and defining my esteem through client satisfaction, hearing this felt better than any positive client feedback'

The highest praise came from my eldest daughter who commented to me as we were on our way home that I seemed really different this holiday and that I was more fun, seemed lighter ( this comment clearly only referencing my mood rather than form after 10 days of beaucoup du vin et fromage) I realised at that moment, that as someone who has been so focused on their Business and defining my esteem through client satisfaction, that hearing this felt better than any positive praise or testimonial from a client. At that point the yellow crayon scribbles were well and truly gone and I was me again.

So next time you want to really slow down, relax, restore and connect with your friends, family and loved ones, consider leaving your screens at home too. I can highly recommend it, because if just 10 days without a screen can provide the clarity and focus that I am feeling right now, I am signing up for more of these electronic free holidays as soon as I can.

Perhaps one could go so far as to?say?...‘Disconnect to reconnect’ ?

( Too cliche'd …? yes probably ) ?