Today is my first day of summer!
That has been my little internal mantra for a while – if only I had the time to do everything I wanted to do and see.
Work has been slowing and I could feel the approaching conversations of whom could we let go and be without. I couldn’t comprehend losing another of my team and when I sat down and looked at all of the invitations to life events and opportunities to spend time with loved ones and visit those nearing their end of their bodily journeys, well, there really wasn’t any time for work in that.
I hatched a plan a few weeks back that I was the one that should take a leave from work as it would save them a managers salary and provide the time I longed for to travel, explore, visit and enjoy.
I wrestled with myself and insecurities of money and would they let me go and allow me to come back in the fall when work generally would pick up again. Those of you who know me well know that I also struggle with change and while I could feel one half of my brain doing a happy dance and cheering loudly for an opportunity to have the summer without work obligation, the other half would rationalize how there was value in a steady paycheck and the fear that I could simply be forgotten and not be brought back later and would have to face another job change.
Last week I let the happy/joyful side of my brain win the argument and launched my proposal.
They admitted that someone did indeed need to go, but they did not want it to be me. I was able to remind them that I would return when the natural flow of business picked up again and anyone else would likely be gone for good. An agreement was reached, and two days later I had my last day and left work to head to the airport to pick up my mother in law who came out for our graduate.
I’ll be heading to the airport again in a few weeks for the first of my out of state travels. Then there are a couple of road trips that will take me down to Texas and up to South Dakota with a camp trip in Colorado smooshed in the middle. All in June, so if you have ideas for July, I’m somewhat open although I am hoping to drag the hubby away for a couple jaunts. For those of you in the Ohio Valley, I do plan to see you as well.
Love Sally
I’m so happy for you! Love your creative thought processes! Let me know if a trip through Missouri is on your docket or when you might be in Ohio. I will be headed there in June. Maybe a road trip to Colorado for Molly, Eli and I will be in order.
And I like how you think. Would love to catch up with you here or there or anywhere.
Holding you to that Ohio trip!!! Reunion is July 31. Perfect way to see many, all at one time! Looking forward to seeing you.
Great plan comes to fruition, hope you have a very busy summer!
Clever you! Convincing your company that the very best solution to ITS problem is actually the very best solution to YOURS. So away you go–from work to whatever you want to do with this gift of time.