Take a break

A newspaper writer, after working for 17 long years, was finally granted two months leave, during which time he would be fully paid. However, he turned down his boss’ kind offer.

The boss asked, “Why would you turn down such a generous offer?” The newspaper writer said there were two reasons. “Well, what are they?” asked the boss.

“The first,” he said, “is that I thought that my taking such a long leave might affect the newspaper’s circulation.” The boss asked him what the other reason was. “The other reason,” replied the writer “is that I thought my taking such a long leave might NOT affect the newspaper’s circulation.”

Some people do not want to take a vacation for fear that the company might discover that they can do better in their absence.

Let me address the leaders and business executives all over the place. Tell me. Do you need a break? With all the money you make, all the energy and effort you spent, you also need to reward yourself not with the mindset of thinking that you deserve it although you do, but with the knowledge that there needs to be balance in a person’s life and that doing so recharges you with the energy and attention you build so you can do your job better.

I hear people say this all the time. “I can’t afford to take a break, I just don’t have the time.” Others would probably say, “I can’t afford a break, I have to keep on making a living.” Well, the fact of life really says that you cannot afford not to have a break because not doing so will break you.

Somebody says: When you start to look like your passport picture--you know you need a break.

Spend a few days off with your family and really enjoy their company. Have fun. Turn off your digital devices and take the occasion to explain and contemplate the meaning of the Lenten season.

Here are some of the signs that would indicate you do need a vacation.

1. You’re feeling stuck in your life.

Life is predictable. You know something needs to be shaken up so that you can break out of your daily routine and get unstuck. Take the plunge and do something entirely new that you have been eager to try. This is also a way for you to cultivate a more creative mind.

Some people think that their jobs are killing them and so they want to quit their jobs when all they need is to have a decent break. Take a vacation and recharge.

Madame Curie taught us that “dissymmetry causes phenomena.” She recognized that real learning – and breakthroughs – occurs only when we are jarred loose from our set patterns of thinking. Taking a well-deserved rest and recharging is a great new way to be “unstuck” in your life.

Reward yourself. It does not have to be expensive. But there are little ways when you can save up for a break so you would not feel stuck in your life.

2. You need to slow down and get back in touch with who you really are and what you really want in life.

Life is filled with obligations and activities. Your inner voice is screaming, “What about me?” It may be time to listen. Go someplace where you can be nurtured by your surroundings - whether it is the ocean, the mountains, a vision quest, a retreat or whatever - and reconnect with who you truly are.

We all need to do this. I’m fond of saying this. “Join a retreat – in order to advance.” Go into a time of prayer and fasting not only to be reconnected with you but primarily to be reconnected with God. Once the vertical connection becomes clear and strong then your connection with yourself as well as on the horizontal basis will be healthy.

God knows man is not created like machines wherein you run them 24 hours a day, allow it to depreciate and when a thing conks out then replace it with a new one. He knows we need rest.

Life is a gift and it is beautiful. Learn to enjoy the moments. Explore its wonders. It is not wrong to save up for a vacation as part of your budget and in fact it is highly recommended or if you allow me to be direct, it is required.

(Experience two inspiring days of leadership training with Francis Kong in his highly acclaimed Level Up Leadership on May 17-18 at Makati, Shangri-La Hotel. For registration or inquiries contact April at +63928-559-1798.)