As our dynamic co-founder Jodi Geddes escapes the daily grind for a well-earned family vacation, she reflects on the restorative benefits of holidays past. Go, book in your annual leave and create those special moments of connection!
Several years ago I took the leap and decided to leave the corporate world. I was burnt out, ready to do something different, but most of all in need of more quality time with my family. I had spent the previous year working crazy hours, missing bedtime routine with my two young kids, and sending emails whilst trying to bathe them and make dinner. It was destroying me and my family.
My husband and I knew we needed to do something drastic. It was important for us, our family, and for me. So we took the opportunity to book a month in Bali and live the local lifestyle. We wanted to disconnect and reconnect.
It had a profound impact on every aspect of my life. I always knew holidays were important, but I now think taking regular vacations is critical. We should take as much leave as we can.
Vacations reconnect you. Vacations help you take a step back and realize what is important in life. Vacations re-energize you and give you time to analyze whether you are living the life you want. We live in a world full of rules, boundaries, and social media. It is a world that consumes us every minute of the day and I am not sure that I like it.
Timeout in Bali taught us to be more present. That life can exist with limited social media. That our children are happier when we are happy. That a simple life is a wonderful one.
This vacation forced us to re-evaluate, make, and commit to some small changes in our life. Some simple things to help us achieve work-life harmony (we don’t believe in work-life balance at Circle In), like how we will have a strict no-mobile policy before the kids’ bedtime, and how my husband and I can continue this newfound happiness and quality time together (we have more commitments that are too personal to disclose!).
So when is your next vacation booked? Is it long enough? Will it create the environment for you to fully switch off from the daily grind and be present with your family? It doesn’t have to be expensive or luxurious. It’s about doing it and ensuring you get out of it what you need.
C’mon, we all need a break and need to look after ourselves. Go request your annual leave now!
Written by Jodi Geddes, co-founder of Circle In.
