With the August long weekend behind us, we are now more than half way through summer and on the countdown to Fall. I hope you are all getting opportunities to enjoy our far too short Alberta summer while also enjoying and engaging in the great work going on across all of Bethany. Jennifer McCue’s recent update “More Hurry….Less Speed” reminded me of the personal cost of busyness, and the need to slow down and still get things done. It also reminded me of one of my favourite books, “Thriving in a 24-7 World” by Dr. Peter Jensen. I shared some information on this book with you all in 2016, but thought it was worth repeating again as Dr. Jensen provides some great guidance on leading more enjoyable, less stressful lives without sacrificing achievement.
Although time if finite and out of our control, Peter speaks about energy management that is within our control – it’s about striking a balance between moments of high performance and periods of renewal. Getting enough rest and recovery, leveraging our stressors and enjoying the presence of our loved ones are positive actions connected to energy management which help us perform better but also live a healthier and happier life. Who doesn’t want to be healthier and happier? Having a sense of purpose and meaning can be a great source of energy. It’s difficult to be motivated when we feel as if we’re being pushed and shoved by what’s happening moment after moment, hour after hour, throughout the day. A vision or purpose gives us a sense of direction and keeps us on course, it helps make sense of what’s important to us in our lives and what we are doing. Bethany’s Vision 2020 provides us all with direction and purpose.
I am personally committed on focusing on what I can control: getting enough sleep, honouring our purpose, embracing humour and positivity, learning to let go, focusing on one thing at a time and doing it well, and spending quality time with family and friends. I would love to hear what strategies you are using to manage your energy, reduce the cost of busyness and the need to slow down and still get things done.
If you have any questions, or would simply like to share your ideas, please contact me directly at lisa.watson@bethanyseniors.com.
Kind regards,
– Lisa
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