Take a break and rejuvenate
Three weeks ago, I had the opportunity to take some time away from work and enjoy the beach, beautiful sunsets, friends and the stillness of holding my wife’s hand without kids on our anniversary getaway. It was a time to relax, remember how it all started, celebrate the many milestones, and re-calibrate our relationship individually and corporately as we lead our family.
When I returned home to the organized chaos that is my life with five sons, I found that taking the time away to rejuvenate greatly improved my patience as a parent, energy as a chaplain, and engagement with the needs and responsibilities that come with being a father, husband, church leader and an Airman.
So when is the last time you took a break? When was the last time you set aside the things that can cause stress in your life to reinvigorate your mind and body?
It is easy to get so caught up in the business and busyness of school, life, work, family, etc. There are deadlines to meet, meetings to attend, papers to submit, activities to attend, and the list goes on and on for you and me.
It is easy to think that without me, this whole show would fall apart. While each of us is an important piece of our flight, squadron, group and wing, and essential to the mission of the Air Force, if we fail to take a break and rejuvenate our soul, re-engage our mind and recalibrate our focus, we will become less effective in our mission.
When you and I think of taking a break, our ideal getaway is usually pretty expensive. Taking a break to rejuvenate does not have to be financially crippling. Consider a weekend away camping, a regular date night, joining a sports league, a book club, cooking classes or a movie marathon. These can all provide time to relax and help you rejuvenate your body, soul and mind so that you are ready to engage people and responsibilities in a healthy and focused manner. Don’t allow yourself to get burned out. Take a break; rejuvenate and recalibrate.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
