So, at the weekend, I finally cried over recent events in my life. I had ‘parked’ everything due to the fact I had a busy couple of weeks to get through. It wasn’t a real melt down, but it did allow me to release some emotions I’d been holding on to.
I was sat on the garden swing with Sandra (My wife) and we were talking about my Mum and Dad finally being together again, dancing in the clouds. I know, it sounds daft, but I think it is healthy to believe there is something bigger planned for us, and there is joy after life. Who knows?
In contrast, my Sisters have had 2 weeks of upset and have shared how they are struggling to come to terms with things. I know we will all get through this and we will support each other, as and when it is needed. It will be at different times and sometimes at unexpected moments, but we will heal, together.
The importance of having people close by to talk to has, probably, never been so obvious. The CV-19 experience has humanised us all, irrelevant of title, status or rank. We are all human and have feelings, feel pressure and struggle through, sometimes. We all need a great support network around us and we need to be able to show vulnerability and let our guard down, now and then.
In years gone by, we were told to leave our problems at the door and pick them up on the way out! “The good old days!” Emotions were seen as a weakness especially for the male workers, and it was frowned upon to even hint you were struggling. Fortunately we have moved on and learnt a few things since then. We are encouraged to talk through things and engage in the support that most companies offer now.
I am still seeing people under pressure, working over 100% capacity and doing work tasks in their own time. It seems to have increased since we returned to work (almost as usual) and people are working longer and harder than ever. Part of this is due to staff shortages or down to the technology crossing over from CV-19 restrictions to opening up fully again.
The good thing is that people are talking about it and sharing their concerns. They are looking for solutions and making different choices. Getting the balance right, in life, is high on the agenda. I see more people doing stuff, they have always wanted to do, but have been putting off until now. More time with the family, enjoying trips away, holidays and activities to enjoy life and make every day an experience.
“We only live once” is a myth. We live every day and we die once (I think!) so it’s a good plan to enjoy as many of the days you can.
What are you grateful for and how do you celebrate life? I realise it’s time for me to grab life by the horns and make the most of it. I am getting things done, that normally I’d put off or think about for a while, and it feels like I am enjoying life more.
What have you always wanted to do, but haven’t done yet? What is your biggest barrier and how can you make it happen, sooner rather than never?
The best is yet to come!