Unicorns and time off

This summer I’ve had some unexpected time off. Most of my time has been focused on finding my next career path, also known as finding a “unicorn” – one with growth, good co-workers, a great balance of autonomy and collaboration, a work-life balance, benefits, a place that has a collective growth mindset, a great supervisor, supportive colleagues, people who find solutions rather than problems, solid pay, flexible schedule when needed, paid time off….ya know, a UNICORN! I’m convinced this exists somewhere and I am determined to find it.

However, it’s literally impossible to spend 12 hours a day looking for and applying for jobs. Not only is it impossible to do that, it would be completely crazy and obsessive to even try. In thinking about what my word is for 2017 – INTENTIONAL – makes me want to use this time in a way that’s productive and intentional. What IS possible during this time is to use the other hours in the day to do things that are ways to use my brain and feed my natural curiosity doing things such as…..

worked out a lot – extra swims, rides, runs, gym dates…no surprise there
took the initiative to clean up a stretch of the greenway that I’m always on
started a book on nature & brain science discussing the research on why it’s good to be outside, from a neurological perspecitve
taught my kids how to swim – woohoo =)
rode single track with my husband a few times, good date for us
cleaned the fridge – I’m not a cleaner, so that’s a big deal
changed battery in the remote. I mean, that’s a big deal. You should change yours.
wrote numerous draft & new blog posts
spent time with my very old dog, Tina, who won’t be with us much longer
reconnected with several friends I haven’t seen in a while
tried new recipes
did several art projects with the kids including painting rocks to hide on the trails
took a few beach/lake trips to connect with nature

I’m excited about the next chapter. I’m glad I’ve had triathlon goals during this summer to keep in front of me as a good distraction. I’ve known people who were in between jobs to fall apart and drift into a deep sadness for years that they can’t climb out of. I’m glad I’m able to treat this time off as a break to recharge & refocus on what’s important. I feel like the unicorn is at my fingertips…