Hop Off the Hamster Wheel!
Hi There,
I took some time to reminisce about the year that was 2021 over this past weekend. Quite honestly, my first instinct was to erase the year from my memory. Just thinking about the sickness, uncertainty, frustration and universal loss people are enduring is enough to make anyone queasy. Factor in that organizations are hemorrhaging their talent (piling additional responsibilities and overwhelm upon the remaining employees) and my sense of helplessness reels. Professionals are struggling to keep up. Stress and burnout are compounding with no end in sight!
On second thought, while there were a lot of lows, the highs of 2021 were exquisite (perhaps due to the lows). I will forever remember this summer as a time of delightful reconnection, and I can still sense the euphoric feeling of freedom as I reunited with loved ones. My dear friend, Keila, even moved in right next door for 3 months. Then, I thrillingly witnessed my nephew graduate from university. I felt, for a time, like I was back in college!
Thank goodness I intentionally spent time finding silver linings and cherished moments during 2021. This seemingly pollyannish exercise was crucial for two reasons. First, knowing what gratitude does for the brain is a lifeline to resilience (we’ll need this type of fortitude and tenacity as we enter 2022.) And secondly it required me to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n and reflect. This act is essential for perspective and wellbeing.
Sadly, slowing down is something people are opting out of this season, as they instead work harder to “keep up”. Motivated professionals often lose sight of their freedom to step away from the treadmill before it speeds up.
Whether or not your office is closed this week, I invite you to hop off of the hamster wheel for a spell. Surrender to a couple of days of NO NEWS, NO EMAIL, NO INTERNET CONSUMPTION….and let your brain just “be”. Reflect on your 2021. Ask yourself what you’re most proud of. Consider the sweet moments that took you by surprise. How have you grown?
And no matter how beat-up you feel, recognize the resilience that got you through this bruiser of a year. Give yourself a mental fist pump. And now, think about how you’ll discover the sweet moments soon to reveal themselves during the ensuing winter season. In the midst of darkness, light and beauty can be found as long as we remember to look.
Have a safe and Happy New Year!
Cheers!
-Deborah
Deborah Goldstein
DRIVEN Professionals / Forbes / Linkedin
info@drivenpros.com | LinkedIn
DRIVEN Professionals, 35 Adrienne Lane, Garrison, NY 10524