I cannot begin to tell you how much rediscovering "Best of Both Worlds" podcast, and subsequently Vanderhacks, has helped me in this season of life. I'm an Australian new mom, who has just returned to work full time at a mid-level management role, my six month old has just started daycare, and my husband works in an executive role. We are both also on boards, are training for half marathons, and I'm doing online study to finish off a new degree. We are also juggling this with the guilt of being working parents, particularly in an Australian context, where it is still somewhat affordable to have a stay at home parent.
Our life feels complex in the way that can only be managed through military-style precision and organisation, and downtime feels fleeting. However, I'm constantly reminded by your newsletters and podcasts of the power of reframing. For example, I workout in the mornings before the baby wakes up. I listen to my favourite podcasts on my commute. I go for an evening walk with the baby and dog. I have a half hour before I go to bed to read a book. Because I schedule it out, it's hard to remember that it is in fact downtime, and not just another thing on the seemingly never ending To Do List. Thank you for the reminder!!
@Ellen - love this! And so glad you found me. Yep, some days (and weeks) need to be managed with military-style precision. But just because downtime is planned for and built in doesn't mean it isn't happening. It's good to appreciate it when it does!
Also a working new mom and resonate with what you said! It's about the reframing that I do have these pockets of time and it's not filled with all these things I have to do. If i'm looking for downtime, I will find it!
"Unstructured time is best spent mindfully." A great intention to remember throughout the day. Time to get off the computer... :)
I cannot begin to tell you how much rediscovering "Best of Both Worlds" podcast, and subsequently Vanderhacks, has helped me in this season of life. I'm an Australian new mom, who has just returned to work full time at a mid-level management role, my six month old has just started daycare, and my husband works in an executive role. We are both also on boards, are training for half marathons, and I'm doing online study to finish off a new degree. We are also juggling this with the guilt of being working parents, particularly in an Australian context, where it is still somewhat affordable to have a stay at home parent.
Our life feels complex in the way that can only be managed through military-style precision and organisation, and downtime feels fleeting. However, I'm constantly reminded by your newsletters and podcasts of the power of reframing. For example, I workout in the mornings before the baby wakes up. I listen to my favourite podcasts on my commute. I go for an evening walk with the baby and dog. I have a half hour before I go to bed to read a book. Because I schedule it out, it's hard to remember that it is in fact downtime, and not just another thing on the seemingly never ending To Do List. Thank you for the reminder!!
@Ellen - love this! And so glad you found me. Yep, some days (and weeks) need to be managed with military-style precision. But just because downtime is planned for and built in doesn't mean it isn't happening. It's good to appreciate it when it does!
Also a working new mom and resonate with what you said! It's about the reframing that I do have these pockets of time and it's not filled with all these things I have to do. If i'm looking for downtime, I will find it!
“Chosen tv” such a great phrase and thought!
@Chloe - glad you like it!