Reflections from a vacation well spent

Last month, my wife and I spent nine days in Europe where I truly unplugged. No work emails, no work texts, no work calls. It was incredible!  

And I’d like to share some thoughts I was having while flying home because I think we can all use a reminder about the importance of rest. 

Gratitude 

First, I think I would be remiss not to start by saying how fortunate I am to be part of such a fantastic team that made this type of vacation experience possible. It cannot be overstated how amazing it is to be in a position where the people around you care about you and for you every day. Not many companies are like this. 

My hope by sharing this is that this spirit spreads throughout the construction industry: all our companies should strive to be amazing places to work where we care for each other and help each other balance life and work. 

Reflection 

With time to unplug came time for deep reflection. There are 4 reflections specifically that summarize how I felt as I flew home, and I would like to share them with you now. 

The first reflection relates to everything I have said to this point: It occurs to me that the ability to go away and shut down our personal “machines”—given how hard we all work—is so important. My personal machine typically runs 6 days per week, and I found that with an opportunity to shut it down, I felt stronger and more invigorated upon return. I think it is worth repeating that with how hard we work in this industry—for ourselves and each other—that we all deserve to rest. I hope each of you will do the same in whatever capacity is right for you to build balance in your life. 

The second and third reflections both surfaced as I read Winston Churchill’s The Gathering Storm during our trip. In it, Churchill chronicles the years leading up to World War II and the seemingly small, but clearly anything but, decisions that went into the rise of Germany to world power and the Allies into reactive response.

Surprisingly, Churchill’s influence in British national decision-making waxed and waned for much of the 1920s and 30s while leading up to the War. More, his political career was thought to be dead in the late 30s, before he was eventually elected Prime Minister and cemented himself as one of the great Leaders of the past 500 years for what he did to lead England—and much of the world—against the German threat. 

This is where reflection #2 comes to mind: One of the realities of life is that we often do not and will not know how things will turn out. We will enter new and scary situations with no guarantee that we are going to come out safe on the other side. We can be entrenched in fear and worry, but it ultimately does nothing. So, just as Churchill thought his political career may be over just as he was beginning the greatest chapter of his life, I hope we can all do hard and scary things, knowing that it may take years for the outcomes to make sense and show their worth to us. If we live a life devoted to putting ourselves out there and preparing ourselves that whatever happens is meant to be, then I think we can all live much richer and happier lives. 

My third reflection, and the second from Mr. Churchill, revolves around this quote, which I highlighted in my Kindle, and will share with you momentarily. In it, Churchill describes his genuine surprise at how the events of his life transpired, especially after the low points mentioned previously. Churchill says: 

How strange it is that this very House of Commons [Parliament], which had regarded me with so much hostility, should have been the same instrument which harkened to my guidance and upheld me through the long and adverse years of war till victory over all our foes was gained! What proof here is offered that the only wise and safe course is to act from day to day in accordance with what one’s own conscience seems to decree! 

What a beautiful thought! Churchill recognizes that the reason he became a political outcast is the same one that made him such an important and great leader once given the right level of authority: he never compromised his values! This means he said many things that went against popular opinion, which ultimately led him to the brink of his career, but his unwavering nature made him authentic, genuine, and ultimately the right person to lead England through the fear that encompassed their entire country during the warring years. 

I gain strength from this concept because I personally torment over what I think is right vs. what I think others will perceive to be right. Consider this a formal declaration from myself to you all to consistently focus on what I believe is right. It does not mean I will not be tormented over it, but it does mean that when I am at my best, I will recognize my torment, take a deep breath, and remember this dedication to my values. I believe this to be an action we should encourage each other and our clients, to undertake as well. 

My fourth and final reflection includes the importance of family and friends. While abroad, my wife and I spent important time together and made memories that we will forever hold dear. Additionally, we visited one of my best friends who now lives in Copenhagen. I almost cried when I thought to myself how glad I will be to have the pictures and memories of this trip in 30 years! I think putting an emphasis on family and friends could not be more central to living a happy life, and I genuinely hope you all take the opportunity to do the same. 

Spark Notes:

In summary, I hope each of you has the opportunity to rest, explore, cry, laugh, and reflect when you need it. Because I know how important it is for me. 

Let this be an opportunity for our loyal group of Building Balance followers to make a commitment to building balanced lives. Because that’s where we’re all here, right? :) 

Thank you for your continued faithful support. 

Matt