Running on Full

My BFF Cherise who has been a powerhouse in her field for decades and seems to have endless energy for work, family, and even literal running (!?) called me the other day. She said she’d noticed that she was feeling better more of the time after coming back from vacation and continuing to do some of the things she did on vacation, even while back at work.

The things she reported continuing even though not on vacation were 1) winding down before bed earlier rather than working into the night, and 2) continuing with a daytime  exercise class she enjoyed even though it broke up her workday in a way that had previously seemed undoable.

And so another real life confirmation that even (especially?) super-high performing high-energy people feel better and function more effectively  when their tanks are full.

Cherise observed that it seemed like things at work were flowing better, not worse, as a result of her vacation-y practices.

“I’m so happy to hear that.” I said. And I really was.

And I also felt sad to think of actual Cherise and my own inner Cherise and all the good girls and good boys who have learned to be so stingy with themselves that needs like rest, movement, and playtime are regarded as “vacation” activities rather than basic tank-fillers. Activities that Evie my evil inner critic doesn’t “count” in the tally of what makes a  day or a life well lived but are in fact the essential secret sauce that makes life worth living.

I’ve taught myself a different way, a way to enjoy running on full rather than push through running on empty. And it feels great. I’m gonna keep going.