I have been in the mood for reconfiguring, my surroundings. I have recently been in the process of empty nesting, after a significant time of active parenting. Not that being a parent will change, just the daily aspects, of it’s engagements. And not that I am making any drastic personal changes, just a few things to tweek to mark this next transition in my scheme of things. And to refresh and renew some work systems and services after the pivotal year it has been. You could call it a Spring Clean if you will.
At which point I thought it worthwhile to remind you too about the importance of refreshment, and renewal, as a regular self-service, to remain energetically sustainable, and leadership viable and reliable. A transitional Spring Clean for you too, as there may have been many adjustments that you too have been making as a recent undertaking.
Particularly after the Sprints, and Marathons you, and others around you, will have been experiencing.
As the world amps up, and a reboot is starting to have an impact, if you identify as any combination of leader, supporter, innovator, influencer, parent/guardian and/or caregiver, who has had a larger share, of being jampacked with responsibility, handling the pressure for significant months, and maybe years now, then it may be time to restore, refresh and/or repair.
I won’t be singling out any particular profession or occupation, for mention. Because each of you has been touched by world events and experienced one or a myriad of impacts. And you each have different coping styles, and unique lives. How you interpret, and make meaning of, happenings in the world, and your life, is your individual understanding and undertaking, and has a ripple affect in your circle of influence and on your surroundings.
And while you may indeed have been triumphant in getting here now, intact, it may not have been easy. Acknowledging that can be worthwhile, and healing. You may have been full of purpose, drivenness, determination and tenacity. Yet, in some probability, you may have been exhausting your reserves, draining your energy, relentlessly, or ignoring cues for checking in, with your wellbeing. As you have kept on accelerating and delivering.
Perhaps it is time to catch up, restoratively, personally. You owe it to yourself, and everybody. Because being on constant high velocity can have a real impact on your human body, your psychology and physiology, your relatability, and your emotional and physical sustainability, for wellbeing longevity.
Do you need a Spring Clean?
Perhaps so, if you have been over or hyper functioning. Which can be a by-product of high performance, and anxiety. Whether that be yours, or from others, as an impact of change accelerating.
If your life has not been energising, perhaps it is time for more restfully re-engaging. It may be time, to take time, on things that calm your mind.
And to consider tempering, if necessary, any manic catch-ups, as things are again opening. To check in with where you are at, in reality, before proceeding. A recent HR Daily post indicated that burnout and fatique is a current factor having a significant repercussive impact.
Take stock. Temporarily. Schedule a check in. Determine, and take action, on what you may need that is nourishing, re-energising, restfully refreshing, if you need. Shift your schedule for investing in wellness preference setting. And simplify, if necessary, for recovery, before you consider heading into further impacting territory.
And learn to take care of yourself by checking in progressively. Because all systems break down if you don’t tend to them for maintenance regularly, including the human mind heart and body.
I once saw a quote, from Jean Webster, written on a bookshop chalkboard, as I was pacing toward an early morning meeting. It gave me pause for contemplating. It may give you pause too, for re-configuring, the importance of your holistic enhancement in your journeying, as it did, at the time, for me.
Most people don’t live: they just race. They are trying to reach some goal far away on the horizon, and in the heat of the going they get so breathless and panting that they lose sight of the beautiful, tranquil country they are passing through; and then the first thing they know, they are old and worn out, and it doesn’t make any difference whether they’ve reached the goal or not.
Consider what you have learned about yourself during these unprecedented times. And the differences you can be making, toward mending, creating a future where you can better accommodate wellbeing, and experience a life that is more energising.
Fill your cup, regularly, with what you find nourishing, and makes your journey and scenery more fulfilling, as you are progressing. Learn to treasure yourself, and your contribution toward enhancing your loving world of family, work and surroundings, so that your Mandala of Wholeness is positively flowing. Making love now your outcome and your goal.
And may your cup overflow with pleasure, wellness, and positive sustenance, as you manage your next stages of wholeness enhancements.
SaraSwati Shakti
SaraSwati Shakti is a qualified and experienced psychotherapist, educator, adviser, and coach with success leading individual, organisational and social change and transformation. She received her graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy form Jansen Newman Institute and graduate Certificate of Adult Education and Bachelor of Business from University of Technology Sydney. Sara works with professionals to hero their next stage of leadership development, to create more fulfilling lives and workplaces, and to manage gracefully through a process of successful transition.
Copyright. All rights reserved.
Fill Your Cup
Right on Up
Spread Your Wings
For Bright New Things.
SaraSwati Shakti
