Your Average Jo: Work Hard, Lay Hard

If you’re anything like me, you’re tired of reading about work/life balance, Sunday self-care, new ways to meditate (not to mention how often to meditate), and the list goes on (and never seems to end).

It makes me feel like if I don’t flush my phone down the toilet, take regular walks in the woods and meditate nightly then I’m not doing life right.

I will proudly admit that I’m mostly satisfied with how I’ve managed to build a business (four, actually), raise an amazing child (if I do say so myself), work out with decent regularity, and typically get seven hours of sleep per night. And it hasn’t even required attending Emailers Anonymous (just a few trips to the spa and getaways with my girls).

How do I do it?

Years of practice, my dears (and many hard lessons learned along the way). Figuring out what my body (and mind) needs — and listening. And what’s good for me, may not be good for you. Being inspired by others is one thing, but copying them never works. (You be you.) For example, anyone who knows me knows I’ve always been an early to bed, early to rise type of person. I was one of the few teenagers who never had to be told to go to bed (and I have NEVER slept through an alarm. Who are you people?)

And, over time, what has been good (or not good) for you can change.

Perhaps after years of doing the same high-intensity workout you realize it’s causing you more harm than good. Then guess what? Time for a change.

Or that job you always loved and dreamed about doing since you’re a wee one is suddenly giving you the regular Sunday blues. Time to rethink and consider a shift.

And that shift doesn’t necessarily mean jumping off a professional cliff. Perhaps a new role in the same company, or a side hustle might be what you need to bring back your mojo.

I tell you this because it’s on my mind as we approach my favourite week of the year. The days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve have become my annual “zen-scapade.” Many moons ago when I started my career in advertising, it was an industry norm to close the office for those days. (Brilliant!) Back then I couldn’t afford to leave town, so I took it as an opportunity to catch up on sleep, movies, friends and more sleep.

Now, as a business owner, I take it as an opportunity for me and my crew to tune out, recharge, and take a moment to breathe. It’s literally the only time of the year where I don’t think about work (even vacations include some check-ins).

I guess that’s a long winded way of saying you won’t be getting a Bullet newsletter for a few days. But don’t worry, we’ll be back recharged and ready to give it to you straight in 2019.

Until then, sweet dreams — and happy holidays!