When first telling friends and coworkers that I was quitting my sales job in LA and taking three months to travel with a wellness-focused, remote work program I received varied reactions. Some jealousy, some excitement, but mostly concern.
“But what are you going to do?” they would ask.
I responded that I was looking forward to finding out exactly that.
I had often thought about what I would spend my time on if I stopped living up to expectations I had set for myself in the workplace and among my friends. I wanted to be at everything, be the best at everything and not let anyone down. But I had forgotten if I even enjoyed it anymore as it was so routine it wasn’t truly a choice in my mind but rather what I was supposed to do.
For the first time since I can remember I have days, weeks, months with no deadlines, no competing meetings or dinner plans, absolutely nothing that I HAVE to do.
I have complete control over my day-to-day and as I predicted, it has been a welcome reprieve and telling tale of where my passions lie.
I am rediscovering my creative side — writing, photography, creating quirky names for group events or offering advice on projects.
I am spending time learning, researching service organizations or reading interesting articles I had “saved for later.”
I am making the group yoga sessions and heartwork sessions a priority, not because I feel like I have to, but because I WANT to.
I am making “me time” a focus and exploring different parts of town, eclectic cafes or new parks.
I am reading more for pleasure (currently “The Book of Joy” — look it up!) and watching less mind numbing television that I used to use as a distraction at the end of a crazy day.
I’m making Skype calls with family and friends become the thing I plan my day around instead of trying to fit it in.
I am using this time to get back to the things that make me happy, that light me up, that make me shine. I am letting my priorities plan my day instead of my daily plans becoming my priorities.
I realize this is a luxury and that not everyone can clear their schedule and travel for three months within a wellness focused, supportive community, however, I feel so foolish for not even trying to slowly incorporate this into my life sooner.
Why was I running around with anxiety trying to accomplish everything others had wanted of me before I took care of myself? Perhaps this is the reason for the burnout that occurred in the first place.
I know I won’t stay in this blissful bubble forever, and when I’m back in the States and in a routine, I am committed to finding balance and making sure that the most important parts of my day are reflective of the most important parts of my life.
We only have so many years, so many months, so many days and hours to enjoy and live life to our highest potential, let’s make THAT the priority.
Originally published at www.jennyscholl.com.
Originally published at medium.com