Being at rest

I can't recall not being a busy man and for years have had what I call a high operational tempo. It means I have a high work-rate and no matter what I'm doing I do it with gusto, passion and determination.

At work it means I am more efficient and productive and solid results ensue. I'm structured, strategize and prioritise with ease, delegate and, as a manager, have always worked hard to develop my team, multi-skill them and then support them; it makes my life easier and I can achieve more.

In my personal life I'm less structured although still apply passion to the things I do whether it's hiking, shooting, playing sports, camping, reading, sitting on the couch watching a movie or even snoozing in my hammock - I apply passion to most things because life is too short not to. Like my work situations, I've gained more from my personal life in this way, have less regret and far more pleasing memories to surround myself with.

Being at rest

I recently spent time on vacation in Cairns, Australia. It's a beautiful tropical location that lies between the rain forest and Great Barrier Reef. I was visiting family and whilst we did a few things it was pretty-much all about being at rest.

For me, someone who operates at a reasonably high rate, moments like this are required; it recharges my energy, emotional and physical, but also allows me to truly hit the pause button. I don't mean taking a moment of solitude during a hike in my day-to-day life I mean almost shutting down completely. It's a wondrous feeling.

Whilst there, I found this green tree frog sitting on a big palm leaf just off the balcony of my brother's house and became fascinated by him...or her.

I called the frog Hoppy mainly because the little bugger didn't move from that spot for hours - That's my dry Australian humour shining through. We sat together, me staring into space doing and thinking almost nothing at all, and Hoppy doing the same...although I can't be sure he wasn't thinking - I'm not a frog-mind-reader after all. Maybe he was thinking, who is that big fucken galoot sitting on the balcony like a lazy bastard, but I have a feeling he didn't mind me being there.

Hoppy didn't talk much and neither did I. We just sat there at rest and it was nice, as was the rest of my vacation. I returned relaxed, recharged and reenergised and feeling much better for the pause.

I'm back at work now and my operational tempo is back to normal however I'm still able to tap into the relaxing moments and feelings I had on vacation and that keeps me going. But, I'll be honest, I miss Hoppy; we became good friends.

I know many have busy working weeks and the weekend tends to allow people to find a little rest and relaxation, just as I did when I was away and I do each week. I wonder though, what do you do with your weekends and how do you relax? Feel free to comment below and let me know...Of course, if you're at rest don't bother...I'd rather you enjoy the moment.