The Power of Rest, Refocus, and Renewal: Lessons from Two Weeks Off

As the owner and leader of Alpha + Omega Strategies, I often find myself immersed in the relentless rhythm of deadlines, strategy sessions, and the never-ending pull of social media. This past holiday season, however, the three of us who run the company made a bold decision: we completely unplugged for two full weeks. No social media posts, minimal online engagement, and a commitment to stepping back. What unfolded was both humbling and enlightening—a journey that underscored the profound importance of rest, refocus, and renewal.

Rest: The Challenge of Truly Letting Go

The concept of rest seems straightforward, yet I found it to be surprisingly elusive. It took almost the entire two weeks to transition from the mental inertia of "always doing" to genuinely "being." The first days were marked by a restless need to check my phone or plan for the weeks ahead. Only as the days passed did I begin to feel the layers of stress peeling away, revealing something I had neglected: my soul’s quiet voice.

By the end of the break, I heard that voice clearly. It wasn’t urging me to strategize or analyze; it was calling me to create. Acting on that urge, I signed up for an online beginner’s watercolor course. The process of painting, far removed from my daily work, was deeply refreshing. The joy multiplied when I invited my son and my 4-year-old granddaughter to join me in a project. Together, we splashed colors onto paper, laughed at our imperfect strokes, and celebrated the simple pleasure of creativity. It was a profound reminder that rest isn’t just about physical stillness; it’s about making space for the soul to breathe.

Refocus: Gaining Clarity Through Stillness

When the noise of daily responsibilities subsides, clarity emerges. During our two-week break, stepping away from constant external inputs allowed me to refocus on what truly matters. For Alpha + Omega Strategies, this meant revisiting why we do what we do: to foster thriving workplaces and empowered leaders. For me personally, it meant acknowledging the need for harmony—ensuring that my professional ambitions don’t eclipse my personal joy and growth.

The watercoloring project was more than a creative outlet; it was a realignment of priorities. It reminded me that fostering relationships and nurturing creativity are as vital as achieving professional milestones. In fact, they fuel the very energy and perspective needed to excel in leadership. This clarity wouldn’t have emerged without intentional stillness.

Renewal: Reclaiming Joy and Creativity

Renewal is about rediscovering the joy that fuels our passions—both personally and professionally. As the break ended, I made another important decision: to restart my dance lessons this term. Dance has always been a space where I challenge myself to lead and follow, a metaphor for leadership itself. On the dance floor, I’ve learned humility—the balance of guiding with intention while being receptive to the cues of my partner. Leadership, like dance, is an art of collaboration.

Returning to dance is about fun and it’s also about embracing community and the continuous journey of learning. It’s also a space where I practice letting go of control—a humbling exercise that mirrors the challenges I face as a leader.

A Humble Takeaway

The decision to unplug for two weeks taught me a crucial lesson: rest, refocus, and renewal are not luxuries; they are necessities. They are the foundation upon which creativity, clarity, and sustainable leadership are built. It’s humbling to admit how difficult it was to let go at first, but the reward was worth it. I reconnected with my family, rediscovered my creative spirit, and recommitted to practices that bring joy and balance into my life.

As leaders, we often prioritize productivity over rest, action over reflection. But true growth—personal and professional—requires humility, stillness, and the courage to listen to what our souls are quietly urging us to do. Sometimes, that means picking up a paintbrush, dancing to a new rhythm, or simply being present with those we love.

For us at Alpha + Omega Strategies, this break was a reminder that our work is about empowering others; and,?it’s about embodying the values we teach. And it all begins with the courage to pause.