Like kids anticipating summer break we arrived in Southern California. A full week away from work, Rita and I were ready for vacation.
We had hope and romantic visions of strolling hand in hand on sandy beaches. To be refreshed as we listened to the soothing music of breaking waves and entertained by the locals – sea gulls and other ocean side residents. Hope that we would receive the much needed rest and relaxation.
Guided by my sister-n-law, Bobbie, we headed north towards Los Angeles. It seemed like a long way to go. But being a California native, Bobbie knows the beaches, the places to eat (she’s a foodie), and most of the back roads, so we listened to her rather than our instincts to take it easy.
Leaving Cypress we headed north through Santa Monica, Ventura, Santa Barbara, on to San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, and Cambria before heading south. Traffic made our driving time even longer. Our rest began turning to stress. Back in Cypress for one night, we headed to San Diego to finish our “vacation.” I’m pretty sure we traveled much further than Google maps reports.
What just happened?
If you know me, you know the commitment to personal quiet time and keeping a journal is a foundation stone. Creating space is the disciplined use of time, place and resources for listening to the Story for truth. The challenge we face today is the pace of life that opposes creating space to think, listen, and learn, to see the people, and live on purpose. Creating space supports future success, whether on vacation or back in the “real world.”
So today, I am reminded …
- Creating Space doesn’t just happen, even when on vacation
- Expectations never go away and setting them matters, always
- Life’s pace, by nature, leans towards “out of control”
- “Faster and more” oppose thinking, listening, and living … growth
- Just showing up does not mean you got there
Future space starts NOW
I don’t know if there will be another vacation trip to Southern California. But I do have today and with that in mind I purpose to:
- Slow down
- Spend less time on the road
- Enjoy more time “on the beach”
- Take more walks
- Sit “by the pool” and read and chat over coffee
- Take fewer pictures and be present in the moment
Yes, we saw amazing sights and enjoyed our beach tour. We came home weary, but grateful for our time away and with family. My commitment to create space in order to reflect, ponder, think, and be present is renewed. For that, I’m grateful.
So, when do you sit and think about what matters most in your life?
Here’s to your created space,
Steve
PS: Improving performance is what happens in Next Level Team-Based Coaching. If you’d like to see more details of how we develop self-managed teams and leaders, see the team-based coaching page.
Leave a Reply