Dear Girlfriends,

I knew I was spread too thin before my meltdown in the car. I had been fantasizing for months about taking a sabbatical, because I knew in my heart that I was burned out. So, I write you today from a month-long recess from the office. While some might go to a spa or on a Caribbean vacation, I elected to stay home to work on my three R's: Resting; Renewal; and Rededication. But I quickly realized I'm rusty on all three!

Resting. We're not very good at this, are we? We get one hour at home, alone, and what do we do? Start busying ourselves in the name of productivity. Are we bored? Or could we actually fear time alone with our thoughts? Resting - quiet time - is an absolute requirement to renewing one's mind, body, and soul, but I found myself in the first two weeks of my "holiday" keeping the same pace as I had when I was heading into the office. It finally dawned on me, about eight days into this intermission that I would need to plan my rest as I plan anything else that is important to me. In 2006, a Parenting article reported that only 15% of women get eight hours of sleep per night. This month, I am one of the chosen few because I plan it. Are you burned out, too? I feel safe in prescribing rest for you. Easy to say, hard to do. I learned this month that it's less about available sleeping hours and more about making it a priority.

Once rested, it's amazing how our rewired minds process information and how our emotions react to our new enlightened state. Many gals are more emotional when they're tired. But I'm the opposite; I've found the more rested I am, the clearer situations and issues are. This has left me a bit more emotional than in my more normal stressed-out state. (I think Steve is ready for me to finish up on my three r's and return to work!)

During the renewal cycle, I reflect on what's working in my life and what's not. Of the only two things I can control - my thoughts and my actions - how am I doing? This part of the renewal process is always hard for me, because I quickly realize that in many areas I am not living a life of grace. When I'm spread too thin, I tend to become harsh and judgmental. When you're spread so thin that extending grace eludes you, it's time for a break. Are you constantly disappointed by others? Are your expectations so high that when they fail - you judge them harshly, too? If you're slow to forgive and move on, you might need to disappear for a few days to reflect on the grace that's been extended to you.

I couldn't have articulated the goal I was hoping to attain by taking such a luxurious extended break from work, but today I know I was looking for rededication. During the first 21 days of this retreat I have made a new commitment to my spiritual growth and development; I am more deeply committed than ever to my husband and my precious family; and I am looking forward to new and wonderful adventures in my professional life. I have to be honest with you; it's been a few years since I rededicated my mind, body, and soul to higher ways.

Could you name the three areas you'd like to revive and what special things you'd do to rejuvenate your passion? Hmmm, you might be rusty on your three R's, too.

I know not everyone can enjoy a 30-day hiatus from work. I've been a professional for over 20 years and this is a first for me. But I do know that you can take a couple of days (no, you can't do this while visiting Disney Land with the fam) to consider those two things that you control every day: your thoughts and your actions. Only these affect your ability to live a life of grace.

Rededicated to you,
Ellen

Posted by Ellen on May 1, 2007 1:46 PM  |  Category: Spread Too Thin