It’s been two weeks since I sat down in front of my computer to write new content for my little space on the internet. And, while I thought I needed a break that day… I didn’t realize how much I did.
Admittedly, I’m not very good at balance. I’m so far from being a Libra…. my Capricorn roots constantly have me chasing my dreams, chasing my goals, and on most days, chasing success. Driven by my commitment to my customers and my team members that I support, this often translates to that word we all know: Workaholic. I do what it takes to get the job done, and I do it relentlessly until we are successful. It’s in my DNA and my natal chart. Sometimes I can’t help myself…
Since my department saw layoffs at the end of January, it’s been non-stop. I’ve been scrappily trying to keep it all together, working incredibly long hours, and juggling it all, despite my workload doubling this year. 14 weeks later, I found myself exhausted and I noticed some other things happening too… and it all culminated last week.
I’m going to tell you the story here today… and about an epiphany I had while driving out of Boulder last week.
Picture it, it’s Thursday and just an ordinary work day. I’ve got a meeting scheduled in Boulder in the morning. We’re expecting rain, and thankfully I got a later start to my day.
Getting dressed, I noticed something about the way I’d been dressing. It was relaxed. It was flowy. And, it wasn’t the first time. One of my co-workers actually commented on my “new bohemian look” recently… and this was the first time I really recognized what she was saying. I’d been opting for a more comfortable look regularly. Not casual, but comfortable. I might even call it laid back, which doesn’t really blend with my job in corporate America.
As I was driving to Boulder (where laid back is the preferred lifestyle), I started thinking about this fashion shift. To me, it was like my soul was seeking relaxation. While my mind pushes, pushes, pushes every single day, my subconscious was asking me to just take a break and breathe…
After my meeting and with a bit of a drive back to South Denver, I started thinking about things. Questioning my happiness. Questioning my fulfillment right now. And, end of day… while I’ve been content, while I’ve been proud I’ve made it all work, I don’t feel like I’ve taken much time to do the things I truly LOVE as of late. While I’ve worked the hell out of my to-do list, I haven’t had much time to smell the proverbial flowers.. and frankly, I’ve missed them.
Still driving, I made the decision right there on Highway 36 that this was about to change. Right there and then, I decided once again to choose happy and to do all of those things I love.
I talk a lot here on NTTC about how we get to choose everything in life, and that through conscious choice, we drive change. I truly believe that, but I also get caught up in the hustle-and-bustle some times… and that’s where I’ve been for the past 14 weeks.
As I was continuing my trek to the office, something else crazy happened. I looked to my right, and as though on cue, I saw a sign for Rachel Brathen’s Happiness Tour – – on a marquee in plain view!! Now, I had stumbled upon this yoga tour WAY too late to join, as they event was completely sold out; however, Rachel’s message resonated with me.
And, I quickly realized… I don’t need a ticket to a Happiness Tour to participate. I can start my own, and so in that moment, that’s exactly what I did!
I’m not really going on “tour”… but I do plan on enjoying happy days and happy moments from this point forward and not skipping the fun stuff for work as much as I have been. I also know that as I continue to fuel this happiness tour… more happy will come to me.
Have you ever noticed that? There’s a universal snowball effect that works impeccably if you work it. Whatever you embrace, whatever you fuel… you get more of. And, we’re just getting this party started.
So… consider this your official invitation to join this happiness tour. It’s starting right here, and guess what? We have capacity for each and every one of you, and the price is 100% free!
All aboard! Do you want to join me on this Happiness Tour? I’d sure love to have you… you deserve it. As “tour” events happen in my life this summer, I’m planning to tag them #HappinessTourKG. I’ll tell you more about how this tour is manifesting next week… It’s been INCREDIBLE so far!
