Recently I did something I have never done before. Ever.
I took a month off work. And I travelled the world with my family. While taking 3 kids overseas can at times present challenges, I can honestly say it is one of the best things we have ever done.
Part of the joy was being able to unhook from day-to-day life for a sizeable amount of time.
We have been on plenty of holidays before, and we always close over Christmas for 2 weeks. But next year I will have been running my business for 20 years, and anyone who runs their own shop knows that you never really get away. But this time I did.
Sure I checked email from time to time, but my extremely capable team had things well under control and I could pretty much enjoy the moments.
As I reflect on all the amazing things we did – the joy my husband and I experienced watching our kids see the world, and the person I became while I was away – I realised how important it was to rest. Truly take a mental rest from everything life presents you with. Because when you have had no rest, it’s very hard to get perspective on your life, and make good long term decisions.
I have followed with much interest of late the news in the art world of Banksy – the anonymous artists who leaves his messages around the world in a graffiti style. His pictures are now fetching millions of pounds in Sothebys auctions – at a recent one the picture shredded as the sale hammer went down, leaving quite the uproar around the world about the artist identity and the statement he was making. He is a creative who is making a statement in a world that does not easily listen, and his simple art represents poignant and important messages.
No more important than this one.
It reminds us of the importance of rest. And it also holds another message. One just as important. The messaging of not giving up.
I know it is a very challenging environment we are working in. There will be times when each of us has felt like giving up. But the work we are doing in education, advice, and investing is incredibly important to the future of Australia. And we must persist.
So when you feel tired, rest. Take a good long one and prioritise yourself. Because the ability to recharge and renew is an important part of progress. Give yourself time to discover your best way forward. Because forward we must go. To continue to serve Australians and help them fund their lives and their retirements.
So remember – to give you need to take. Recharge yourself. Remember what’s important. And then move forward. For Australia needs this industry more than ever.
Until next time
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