The Needed Break

A little break from the standard routine is good!

Every once in a while we are able to take a little bit of a break from the normal daily activities of life. For a period in the future we won't be able to do that, but that's okay because that's another one of the things that life throws at you. You just have to roll with it and do the best you can given the circumstances. Taking in the break and savoring it is an important thing that I've tried to get better at as time goes on.

I'm certainly one who loves to dive into the work that I do. Not to escape life or anything, because I know some people do that as a way to get away from the nasty things going on in their life, but rather because I enjoy what I do. I think it's certainly rare to have a situation where someone really enjoys the work they do, because many people are stuck in a job they dislike or are forced to do for various reasons. That is for sure a shame and I hope those people get an opportunity in life where they can figure out something they love to do.

Because I work a lot, that means sometimes I can get a little too into the zone. I don't give myself a mental detox enough and just go, go, go all the time. I know that it is a little challenging for my son to have to deal with, because he really loves to spend time with me and I'm unbelievably appreciative of that, even during the challenging times. What I certainly try to do is figure out ways in which to get away from the grind of the work stuff and focus on him. I think focusing on the kiddos is one of the most important things a parent, and a father, can do!

There are certainly limits to that of course, in that we need to also keep the things in life going such as the chores, job etc. but making sure the kids are a focal point of everything is important. I don't do some things right, but one of the most important things I think I do as a parent is stay off any devices when he's around so he doesn't get used to it as long as I can prevent it.

We recently took a little miniature vacation and it was nice. We visited a park that we wanted to go for a while to enjoy it while he was still a good age to enjoy, and it ended up being a nice bit of time away from it all. I know that these moments are fleeting in the grand scheme of things, but the important thing for me is to make sure that I can ignore the other things going on, technology or otherwise, and try to be present with him. It doesn't always work, and it didn't work fully when we were on this vacation, but I think it's important that we make the effort.

Effort is a really important thing in the world today, where everything is largely done through minimal or no effort at all. The important thing long term is to show the effort and try to improve, at least that's what I tell myself!

What about you, do you think that taking a little time away with the kiddos is important, and especially making sure they get the attention they deserve from you? Let me know in the comments!