Slow Down to Speed Up…

Three weeks ago, we took our first family vacation in 18 months and boy did I realize how much we needed that…

2020 turned our worlds upside down in more ways than we could all ever imagine. For the Rao John family, we added to that list, taking on new jobs, relocating across the country and becoming pregnant and delivering a baby in the peak of a global pandemic! When 2021 rolled in, like so many of us, we continued to work from home, learn from home and remotely support aging parents in far away countries.?

For past 18 months it has been a constant go , one thing after another. So when summer came by, I knew that we needed to take an extended break to be able to set aside moments for renewal and recuperation.?

I feel fortunate to be able to work for a company that not only offers extended bonding leave for parents but also a management team that encourages and creates the opportunity for you to actually take the time off. More importantly, a team of colleagues and leaders who I can lean on, so that I have the luxury to be able to take the time to spend with my family.?

A real break includes doing something different from the everyday: getting off screens, connecting with loved ones, and experiencing true pleasure in the present moment. And so after a decade or more, of carrying my office phone with me on vacations, I left it behind in a safe place on my desk in my home office. I admit, I did feel the jitters of withdrawal for a couple days but it felt so good to be able to shut that part out for a few days.

Our ways of work have inexplicably changed forever in the past 18 months. Work is in our homes now and our families are around our work…a lot! The boundaries are blurred and will continue to weave all parts of our lives into one collective mix.?

It becomes very important that we be deliberate about taking the breaks, to rest, to reflect, to replenish our minds and souls.

Whatever journey you’re on, take time periodically to slow down, to cross-pollinate best of where you’ve been to where you’re headed….then speed up….

#slowdowntospeedup

#maternityleave

#bondingleave

#teamculture

#Philips