Making decisions

“The quality of your life is built on the quality of your decisions.”  Wesam Fawzi

The above quote certainly highlights my growth over the past two years.  Up until last year, when we had our BIG overseas tour – I continued to do my social media posts, including whilst on leave.  I would usually pre-program them prior to my leave.  Of course, this placed extra pressure on me prior to the leave, and I would be working extreme hours to ensure this task was completed. 

The decision I made was one that was based on a few principles.  As a mental health professional, I ask the clients to make sure that they are rested and reset.  Yet here I was not following the same for me!  I felt a little hypocritical and needed to make sure I also walked the walk.  This allowed me some freedom and provided me a better opportunity to close the business down for my break.

I have decided that I need to continue this for my shorter breaks.  We are heading off for a family celebration over the weekend and once again, I have given myself permission to be “absent” from work whilst taking leave.  This has been quite liberating and allows me to spend the time I need to decide on the wardrobe and ensure that all items are packed.  I even got the suitcase out over the weekend and have begun this process.

To totally turn off work has allowed me to be more present whilst on leave and this is important to me, especially when with family.  Yes, I continue to monitor the emails – however this is limited time and when it suits me.  Both my emails and telephone have messages advises that I am on leave and that it may take some time for their message to be responded to.  I also advise of my return date.

This of course, is also part of my self-care.  Why take recreational leave if I am not disconnecting from my work?  This does not allow me to be the best version of myself and is a discredit to those I work with and my family.  By taking time out and practicing self-care – this allows me to be a better person overall.

I am so pleased with myself to continue with this initial decision to disconnect on my personal leave.  How do you disconnect from your role, and do you also need to have better boundaries?