Ah, sweet freedom from responsibility. It's amazing and it's refreshing.
Having recently finished another book, complete with a round of editing from my publisher, I decided to take a break from blogging, writing and other necessary projects. Since I had two weeks off from work through the holidays, I cleaned my house, cleaned my daughter's house, organized my closets and did plenty of "nesting" activities. Things I don't typically have time for since I honestly live at my office, and simply visit my home on the weekends.
During my state of relaxation during those precious vacation days, I read a pile of magazines and books. I enjoyed some movies and simply just hung out. Since my daughter's having a baby girl in March, who will be named Eva Rose, in honor of the daughter character, Eva, in my Saucy Lucy mystery series, and the Rose witch sisters in my Wysteria Hedge Haven Clan series, I've crocheted baby blankets and shopped for lacy pink and purple baby clothes. All of my activities during that time were light and fun.
While engaging in this, I was reminded of something I read about in an old Stephen Covey book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." Number seven is the title of this blog. Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw.
Basically, what Covey emphasized in his first six habits of highly effective people was having good work ethics and follow through, which helps people achieve success. Number seven, or Sharpening the Saw, to me is like when God rested on the seventh day after all his hard work.
It reads like this:
The Last habit relates to self-rejuvenation:
- Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
So, yes, I admit I sharpened my saw like a crazed fool during those two weeks, and I enjoyed every second of it. If you haven't read Covey's book, and you're looking for some New Year's motivation, this would be a good choice. It was first published in 1989, and there have been many incarnations of it since then, but Covey's advice withstands the test of time. May 2013 bring you much happiness and success!
Did you take any time off over the holidays, and if so, what type of fun did you have? I'd love to hear!
8 comments:
I'm trying to figure out how do you talk time off from retirement?
Heh, heh... Retirement is time off, Joe. Time off that we are all looking forward to, though I hear retirement life can get pretty busy! Beats the alternative, I guess. Thanks for stopping by.
we all have to take time off or we go mad...just look at the business people who never take a break.
You are right, Martin. Many of them become Looney Tunes if they don't get some R & R. Stress can do awful things to people; both physically and emotionally.
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My holiday two weeks were awesome, Cindy. No company, no travel, no tree and mess, very little shopping, etc. What did I do? I read books, watched movies, and took naps. I might do it all again mid-year. :D
Niiiice, Pat!
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