You Deserve A Break!

My mother used to have a picture hanging in her kitchen of a woman slouched over, holding a mop with a scowl on her face. Underneath the picture was a caption that read, "Deary is Weary."

She often wore a t-shirt that had a head shot of a woman that looked very frazzled with this message, "I only have one nerve left and you're getting on it!" Have you ever felt this way?

Sometimes even the smallest interruption can cause us to change from a pleasant person to a tyrant. Do you find yourself allowing anger to build inside causing you to complain over small insignificant things?

When toddlers begin to act like that, we put them down for a nap. When older children throw temper tantrums, we insist they go to their rooms until they have a change in their attitude. So, what makes us think we should be treated any differently?

Sometimes we just need to stop what we are doing and take a nap. Other times, we just need to find a place of quiet, sit in stillness, and breathe.

Our quest to find a better life will be more quickly realized when we learn to appreciate solitude - time alone to sort through our thoughts and feelings. When making this a daily practice, it affords an opportunity to escape the busyness all around and allows our hearts to respond to the still, small voice of God.

Taking Mental Health Days

At least twice a year, I take time off from work simply to spend a full day in solitude with God. I call these, my Mental Health Days. I highly recommend this for you too. I like to spend time in nature, and usually hike a scenic trail and sit on a bench that overlooks part of the city where I live. I take my journal, and reflect on all the good things in my life. I also write out my personal and professional goals and how I plan to reach them, all this while praying and seeking clarity from God.

In one of my coaching sessions this week, I asked my client this question:

"When was the last time you took a full day off and did something just for fun?"

His answer did not surprise me. As a successful Business Owner of 20 plus years, he could not recall ever taking a day of solitude just for himself.

Stepping away from the busyness of the business enables you to see things more clearly,

even if you only do it for one day. When you are always in the trenches, everything can feel urgent and chaotic. Spending time in solitude helps you sort through problems and gain a clearer perspective.

I encourage you to schedule Mental Health Days on your calendar at least twice a year. Don't just assume you will find time. If you haven't planned it ahead of time, it may never happen.

If you have young children at home, ask a friend to watch them for a day. Offer to return the favor so they too can take a much-needed break.

Thought for the day - "Do something nice for yourself. Find some quiet, sit in stillness, breathe. Put your problems on pause. You deserve a break." - Akron Brost

Have A Great Day!

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Thank you!