To be clear, we’re talking about the last week of the year. You know, the one between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
I don’t and I haven’t since 1992. I know that because I began working for ITT Night Vision that year. The factory was a union shop, and everything shut down for about two weeks, give or take depending on how the calendar fell.
A beautiful habit was born that year.
In the four or so years worked there, I kind of got used to it. We had time to spend time with family and friends again. And we’ve done it ever since. We don’t always travel—like this year, thank you very much.
Are you thinking something like, “I could never do that, there’s just too much going on at the office?”
It’s a choice, you know.
Too often, we’re willing to tell ourselves that we can’t take the time off this year. We’re too busy. Other people are depending on us. Or whatever other nonsense our brains come up with.
I’ve done posts like this one several times before because I believe taking time for ourselves is something that matters for all kinds of reasons. We both know all the usual suspects, so I’ll spare you the list-making exercise.
Because that’s not the point.
Reading Steven Pressfield’s Writing Wednesdays post this week, I was inspired to deliver the message again because we need to keep hearing it.
Steven says, “I like being in the lane.” Meaning, “a narrowly focused channel that excludes all serious distraction.”
But every now and then it’s good to drop the intense and narrow focus and just be a regular person.”
– Steven Pressfield
So, here’s to being a regular person for a week.
Sounds like a good idea to me. I know, I know, not everyone can do what I’m suggesting. But… if you can… you deserve it. And those people close to you in your life will appreciate the time with you.
So, what do you think? Are you working or resetting? For me this year, this week is purely a restorative time—Resting, reflecting, regenerating, recovering. In other words, “I’m on vacation.”
See you next year, my friend!
Be untucked.
p.s. You might want to check out last year’s post, “Farewell 2022, My Old Friend” and if you like, you can read Steven Pressfield’s post here.
p.p.s. Have you ever considered that halfway through the year may be a better time for making a change? Click here to find out what that would look like.
Copyright © 2023 Jeff Meister – All Rights Reserved
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