Disconnected: With my heads in the clouds
As 2024 dawned, I made a promise to myself – a promise of better self-care and more quality time with my family. This wasn't about neglect; it was about acknowledging a slight drift that had crept into my life over the past couple of years, especially since I embarked on my freelancing journey. This new path, while very fulfilling, nudged me into a rhythm of working more and moving less, and somewhere along the way, I began to lose touch with what truly mattered.
The realization hit me gradually. Work has always been a priority, however my once regular outdoor activities – the bike rides, the walks in nature – became sporadic. These activities weren't just exercises; they were my moments of clarity, my mental reset buttons. Since the pandemic, I've heard countless stories around me of burnouts and struggles to balance life's various demands. Especially being a parent you try to do good for your kids, for your partner and yourself in as little as 24h per day. I compared it multiple times with being torn apart in multiple pieces. All of the pieces done as good as possible. However it also installs some sort of imbalance.
My antidote to this creeping imbalance? A conscious decision to disconnect from work and reconnect with my family. It's in these moments away from the digital world, out in nature, sitting next to a fire, or simply enjoying the outdoors, where I find my best ideas and guidance. These aren't just breaks; they're essential for my mental and emotional well-being.
But it's not just about me. It's about being present for my two kids and my better half. Creating moments with them – real, tangible moments – has become a personal focus. It's about understanding them, engaging with them, and building memories that go beyond the allure of the latest gadgets or games. Yes, owning a cool new toy or the newest game on PS5 is exciting, but it pales in comparison to the joy of shared experiences and genuine connections.
This journey back to balance isn't just a personal quest; it's a shared adventure with my family. In my professional life, my goal has always been to be the best consultant for my clients. But what does it mean to be the best version of myself? It goes beyond certifications. It's about being mentally and physically present and capable, both for my customers and my family. It's about nurturing the core of who I am – a seeker of knowledge, a supporter of my clients' success, and a devoted family man with a big heart for nature. This brought me this week with my head in the clouds. Quite literally while doing a hike at +1800 meters altitude you are from time to time alone with your thoughts. Of course, your family is there but during the hike you have mini reflections. Thinking on what’s next, evaluating approaches for the next client meetings. In my mind trying to build that strategy on how to approach certain things during a project. While doing that I snapped both real and mental pictures of moments together with the family. Am I totally disconnected from work. I can disconnect easily during summer however for 1 week it is difficult. Find the balance to when you can do something that helps you next week and family moments is something that worked out pretty good. While my kids were having some iPad time, I created a couple of slides for a presentation next Monday. During my flight back home I’ll be creating another slidedeck for a presentation I’m doing next week to inspire young graduates to think about a career in IT. Fueling creativity to make the next steps in my career and inspire others to start on their own.
As I continue this journey, I find myself returning to my foundations – the things that make me tick. And I've realized that these aren't just confined to my professional achievements. They're deeply rooted in my personal life, in the moments I spend with my loved ones, and in the quiet times when I'm alone with nature.
This is my message to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the juggling act of life: pay attention to your foundations. Find what makes you tick. It might be your professional aspirations, your family, or those quiet moments alone in nature. Whatever it is, embrace it, nurture it, and let it guide you back to your own balance.