Dooley Noted: 9/7/2015
I have been away from Catalyst SPORT and New York City for two weeks as of today.
During these two weeks I take twice per year, I teach anatomy for St. George’s University Medical School.
Yes, even my vacations have work involved.
The word “vacation” has this negative connotation for me, as if I’m vacating something and running from it.
This is difficult because I love Catalyst, my work, my studies, and my city.
I don’t want to run from them.
But in therapy, I have learned it is important to have a work-life balance.
The balance is different for everyone.
To me, a vacation does not involve sitting on the beach for two weeks drinking and getting too much sun while I read guilty pleasure novels and shirk all of my commitments.
That’s just not me.
But I did make a point to maintain the structure upon which I thrive, while still letting my commitments be a bit looser.
I let patients know that I’m on vacation, and there would be delays in my communication with them.
I still completed Skype exams and evaluations, and I still conducted meetings with my companies.
I still worked on content for my seminars, and I still kept up my fitness and dietary goals.
You can have a lovely vacation and not abandon your commitments. This makes people like me less hesitant to actually having a vacation.
One doesn’t have to vacate during a vacation, at least not with modern technology and a strong Wi-Fi connection.
You don’t have to miss an ounce of opportunity.
So, an overachiever like myself can go for a long walk in the sun and know that she hasn’t missed out.
My vacation is coming to an end today.
I make the long flight back to New York City tomorrow, back to the hustle and bustle that drives me forward every day.
I return with a renewed love for my city, for my companies, and for the life and career I’ve built.
I proved I could vacate the premises without vacating my commitments. I could recharge and enjoy a place I love that’s away from my home.
You can do the same. Things will survive without your presence. And if people need you, they will find you – if it’s necessary.
You set the boundaries for yourself within your own definition of a work-life balance.
These boundaries are still there when you vacate for a few weeks.
If you’re on the fence about taking that vacation, the work will be waiting for you.
You can even do a little while you’re gone. That’s a balance, too, that you define.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
