My husband and I had the 2nd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine scheduled for this Cinco de Mayo (aka Wednesday aka work and school day) BUT with everyone talking about the side effects of the second dose, we decided to change our appointment to this past Friday instead.
Our new appointment was set for 8pm and so, in preparation for all the potential side effects, we planned a weekend of no plans at all.
The side effects
The first night was mostly pain in the arm just like with the 1st dose, or the flu shot we get every year. That night I took a warm shower and went to bed.
By Saturday around 3pm we started to feel some chills, similar to when you are about to get a fever. I usually avoid taking painkillers, however; this time I decided to take some Advil as a precaution. We had a delicious dinner and went to bed around midnight, watching TV.
Sunday, we woke up around noon and overall, we were feeling fine. No arm pain, no fever, no headaches, no flu-like symptoms.
The takeaway
Allowing my body and mind to rest without restrictions, list of to-dos and pending chores, was the best decision for this time.
AND…
It made me think of a concept I learned with my most recent coach about working with your seasons.
There are only two times of the year when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in a “nearly” equal amount of daylight and darkness at all latitudes. These events are referred to as Equinoxes.
Outside of these two times, nature must rely not on a concept of balance, but on her own pace and rhythm. Nature does this to survive and thrive.
Could we do the same? Instead of trying to find balance, could we focus our energy, time, and attention on finding our own pace and rhythm for our life: days, months, years, and the situations we are experiencing?
Below is a quick idea of what this could mean but, know that you can go a lot deeper into these concepts and further explore how to incorporate them into your life.
WINTER: RESTORE
In the winter, the plants send their roots deep into the earth seeking nutrients to replenish and restore to prepare for the growth that occurs in the spring.
What if you had a day each week of complete rest–no work, no errands, no should or must DOs, just time to restore and replenish? What day works best for you–Saturday? Sunday? Both? Or perhaps there’s a time of day–maybe first thing in the morning or as a break in the afternoon–where you can replenish and restore?
Find your “winter” pace and insert some pauses, breaks, and stops in your days and nights throughout the year. Prepare yourself for new growth in your life.
SPRING: CREATE
During the spring season, flowers will have blossoms after bulbs or buds. New, green and fresh leaves will appear on the trees and bushes, the grass will become greener and greener every day.
Spring is the season of fresh ideas and new beginnings. It is the time to clean your calendar and your commitments (and closet?) so there is space–mental and physical–for the birth of new ideas, projects, and opportunities.
What are the old commitments, file folders, and time expenditures that no longer serve you and are preventing the budding of new growth? What meetings or stale to-dos can you remove from your week to create space for brainstorming, ideation, and innovation?
Find your “spring” rhythm and clear out the old to enjoy the new growth.
SUMMER: GROW
In summer, the natural world is in full bloom. Summer is the time to implement your new ideas that were birthed during spring. It is the time to water, cultivate, and nurture your goals, desires, and dreams.
What projects and goals can you take action on now? What relationships need a little watering and nurturing?
Find your “summer” pace and take action, support your relationships, and allow your new ideas to grow.
FALL: ACHIEVE
Fall is the time of harvest. It is the time to reap what you have sown in the spring and grown in the summer. Fall is the time for the final push towards your goals, the celebration of the completed project, and thanks-giving for all of the people in your life.
Are you on track to achieve your goals? If not, what do you need to start doing? Is there dedicated time to celebrate and give thanks for your professional and personal accomplishments and relationships?
Find your “fall” pace and reach the finish line; celebrate your accomplishments and give thanks.
Reference: The Four Seasons Of Work-Life Balance | FastCompany.com
Was this helpful for you? Have you considered this concept of mirroring nature’s way to work in seasons? Can you see it in your days, months and years? Have you felt the frustration of trying to achieve when you need to restore or create?
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