Doing something one loves and is passionate about is fulfilling and rewarding. However, passion burns, and if not kept in check, one can burn out. It is no secret; we love what we do. We adore our animals. We enjoy working from home. We tolerate each other's company. I jest, we like working together. However, when one works from home and has a small business, it is easy to blur the lines between work and relaxation. For us, there is no downtime. There is no day off. Especially for The Bibbed Wonder, life has become a blend of lather, rinse, repeat of day after day. This takes a toll on one both mentally and physically. I believe my bib overall wearing buddy is experiencing burn-out.
After several days of heated conversation, we have finally come to a realization that we need a break from the grind. However, of course, we are not on the same page as to what constitutes a holiday. I feel that we need to get away from the farm. We need a complete change of scenery and a total break from our daily duties. We have a trusted friend who could milk the goats for a few days, take care of the porcine princess and all their tiny bacon seeds, tend to the chickens, and house sit with the dogs. We also have a trusted soap family member who could check for online orders, as well as pack and ship orders for a few days. As for our online responsibilities, we could schedule our Facebook posts in advance, pre-write and schedule the blog posts ahead of time, and post our weekly special. Of course, everything has to align with cabin availability and the schedules of two individuals. It will take a bit of leg work and a bit of planning, but we could make this work.
The Bibbed Wonder, on the other hand, refuses to leave the farm. He instead wants to purchase a hot tub and a case of wine and stay home. He uses Covid as a reason not to travel and says I am creating more anxiety for him by even talking about leaving. Although I have pointed out that the trip I am planning is a mere four hours from home, in an isolated area, and involves all outdoor activity, he continues to refute my idea. You see, dear reader, I know my husband. He will not relax or take a break if he is home. He will not permit anyone else to help with the barn chores. He also will not stay off the computer or refrain from engaging in all online aspects of the business. In short, he will continue what he is doing, remain stressed out, and try to appease me with a hot tub. I am on to him.
We have to find a balance of work and relaxation. My bibbed-wearing buddy needs to learn to play as hard as he works. I feel it is imperative for our success to remain fully charged, fresh, and ready. One cannot maintain creativity, enthusiasm, or momentum if one does not take a break once in a while. Sometimes, it's okay to ask for help and put trust in others in order to recharge. It is four days, which is not an extended period of time. However, it is enough time to relax and recharge one's batteries. We have agreed to mull it over for three days before we make a decision. In that time, I will check with our friends to see what dates they are available. I have found a lovely little secluded cabin in the woods with dates available in June and July. Hopefully, we can coordinate everyone's schedule to make this work. If not, we may be looking at a hot tub and a wine cellar...sigh.
As always, dear reader, stay safe, stay smart, recognize when you need a break, and of course, wash your hands.