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There are internally motivated people whose motivation comes primarily from within themselves and those who are more externally motivated by responsibilities and deadlines. This blog is for those whose motivation needs no outside driving force and for those whose outside forces are driving them too hard.

It’s okay to rest.

You might think that I, as someone who is mostly retired, would have no trouble taking time off. And you might ask of me, “take time off of what; your one-day-a-week counseling practice?” Your flexible writing life? Taking people on retreats? But honestly, I don’t need a JOB to keep me busy. I LOVE to do things. Am I a workaholic? Maybe, but mostly I love to do creative things that give me joy. So, I must be aware that I can burn myself out doing fun things. Yep, that’s me.

How do I know when I’m burned out? When I was working full time it was easy to notice. I’d feel sad on Sundays about going to work the next day. But since I’m retired, I find myself getting cranky and wanting to board a plane to Hawaii, Mazatlán, or anywhere but here. When I notice this, it’s time to reevaluate. Have you noticed yourself feeling burned out?

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These feelings cropped up yesterday and I made some decisions. December is here and it will be gone before I know it. I want to slow down and focus on friends, family, and the holiday/advent season. I love to read. I want to read books, watch movies, and relax. I want to help my busy daughter with my grandchildren. So, I’m not going to put any pressure on myself to write anything new during December. I’ll enjoy marketing as needs be, but not if it feels pressured. For me, this will be “taking time off.”
Last weekend I took seventeen people on a retreat called “Come Away With Me: Press Pause.” I was worried I’d left too much free time in the schedule on Saturday. From lunch until dinner, the retreatants could choose to do whatever they wanted: nap, rest, explore Virginia City, whatever. At dinner, I asked if it felt too long. There was a resounding NO from the entire group. They all appreciated the time.

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Unplanned time is a gift. And we can give it to ourselves. Whether it’s taking a mental health day from work or saying “no” to a holiday party; think of ways to give yourself time.
What does it mean for you to “take time off?” To focus on things that restore your soul and recover from burnout. In an American culture that keeps us tied to work through our phones and computers, it’s important to find ways to disconnect. It’s time to set boundaries for rest and restoration.

Let me know how you will do it this month.

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