While reading a most awesome post by Matt Stigliano on Agent Genius, I made a decision to digress from my usual blogging fare and write about life. It's about my life, but I think it may be about yours too.
Of the last six weeks, we've had out of town company staying with us for four (in two-week stints). School started today (think of shopping, open houses, sales tax holidays, etc...). It's been hectic. If you've read my past entries, you know Housing numbers haven't exactly been kicking butt here in Augusta. Work has been tough - and my wife and I have had to find other sources of referrals and leads to accommodate the shift in the market - all while entertaining various relatives and getting the kids ready for school.
Last Wednesday, I joined three of my Keller Wiliams buddies on the golf course for some R&R. If you know Shea, Ricky, and Rod - you know the "R&R" really stands for "Ridicule and Ribbing." We're a moderately competitive bunch - intent on holding our own while ensuring no missed shot goes unpunished (at least in the verbal jousting category). Rod hit a tee shot a whopping fifteen feet, which I promptly followed with "A lot of guys wouldn't have played it like that." You get the gist...
By the time I got home (it had been about 96-degrees with high humidity), I was soaked, tired, hungry, and HAPPY. The five hours-plus I'd spent with these friends - full of good-natured ribbing and genuine camaraderie - sweating, swinging, and putting in the hot Georgia sun - was an absolute BLAST. I'd put my phone on "silent" and forgot to turn the ringer back on. Got home, joined my wife and kids by the pool, and grilled up some good dinner. I had one of those nights' sleep you remember - woke up rested and refreshed - and ANXIOUS to get back to work. Noticed my phone ringer was still off - and I'd missed several calls. None of them life-threatening or urgent.
At the office later that morning, I realized that it was the first time in a couple of weeks that I was fully focused, energized, and confident. The bottom line is I had not taken the time to replenish my batteries. The stresses of entertaining, working, shopping, minor car troubles, LIFE - had gotten me down, snuck up on my usually-positive demeanor and changed me briefly to someone else.
Take the time - EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO MAKE IT A SET APPOINTMENT ON YOUR CALENDAR. Take the time to hug your kids, kiss your spouse, play golf, play whatever you want, dance in the rain, skinny-dip, whatever. Turn OFF your phone, get away from the computer. TAKE THE TIME. Ever hear of Nicklback? Listen to the words to "If today was your last day." Go forth and DEGAUZE yourself!
By the way - I birdied 18 to secure a six-stroke victory. Talk about a GREAT DAY!