Dear you,
It’s August… Every year during this month the pace of life seems to slow down in Mediteraneen coast. And I enjoy it so much.
Cloud scattered around the far sky. Straight road extended into distance surrounded by laush green grass.
Sunlight is crystal clear and transparent. The sea is warm and calm. The whole world is, to me, very much ¨alive¨ – and all the little things are growing. It suddenly made me feel like this scene is a microcosm of our life’s journey. Summer days…
I like my job. Very much. And I feel very comfortable with the team I am part of. But, I also need vacations. I think we all need time to do less and be more. After many months in which we have been planning, developing, driving, managing… we also need moments to stop, empty, disconnect, recharge. How? Dedicating our energy to other tasks such as contemplating, resting, accompanying, celebrating, reading, laughing, taking care of ourselves and our loved ones…
I believe that throughout the year we have to balance the scales more, so that we do not spend the whole year thinking about when the vacations will come. That is to say, maybe is not healthy to live thinking that work comes first. Yes, work is important, but so is our health, so is our family… So, those of you who are on your summer break now, enjoy it! No regrets. Trust the people who stay at work. And connect with your being. There will be time to do. On holiday is time to renew the desire and enthusiasm, just like children do: in September they go back to school, and they do it renewed and strengthened, eager to continue learning, discovering, doing… How much they have to teach us! 😊
By consciously unplugging from emails, notifications, and social media during vacations, we give ourselves the freedom to fully immerse in the present moment and truly relax. Additionally, I consider that taking a break from the daily grind can stimulate creativity and boost problem-solving skills. When we step away from our usual tasks and routines, our minds are free to wander and explore new ideas. Exposure to new places, cultures, and experiences can inspire fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, ultimately benefiting our work and personal lives.
THINK WEEK
What about having a think week, or at least a think day? In my case I’ve been doing it very recently and it’s helped me overcome any mental blocks and makes me mindful and ensure that I am heading in the right direction. In the 90’s when he was still running Microsoft, Bill Gates began this think week as annual tradition: he would seclude himself in a remote location and shut off all of his communication; he would spend the entire week dedicated to reading, learning and thinking. This approach then became a key part of his life and his process and he said: ¨Think week is a time when I can be creative and push my own thinking, it´s a time to step outside the day-to-day demands of my job and really focus in the big picture¨.
I couldn’t commit to a whole week, but I have started doing think days from time to time: I just step away from all my work, phone and laptop and I´d secure myself mentally and spend an entire day reading, meditating and learning something new. I believe that when I can do something like this, I give myself space to really zoom out and take a high view level on my life and the direction that I am going in.
Sometimes we are so caught in the routine hustle and working hard that we never really take a step back and say: ¨where am I going and how can I get there more efficiently? ¨
I just came back from an unforgettable journey with breathtaking landscapes, where snow-capped mountains meet crystal-clear lakes and charming villages, creating a magical and serene escape, in the company of people who have left their mark. In this adventurous and spiritual holiday there was a phrase that a wise man remembered us and stays with me:
- We do not see things as they are, but as WE are (Jiddu Krishnamurati). We see life through own filters that are called cognitive biases; we all have them although we are not always aware of them. These biases are ¨automatic¨ mechanisms by which we take ¨shortcuts¨ or make snap judgments based on partial knowledge, experiences or assumptions. Remembering this we can better appreciate the diverse perspectives of others and embrace our differences, maintaining more meaningful connections and interactions.
Let’s carry with us the warmth of sunny days, cherished memories of adventures, and the refreshing pause that recharged our spirits for the days ahead!
