Sassafras Farms Toone, Tennessee
I’m right at the mid-point of my health care professional career. Now there’ve been a few extra jobs, but in terms of my true career I’m right stab in the middle. I’ve only been able to truly stop and reflect on this moment in the time and space needed during rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. I thought about what advice I would have given to Myself in hopes this post is helpful for any young Queens. Perhaps you may just be starting out in need of the advice so many mentors, sponsors, and friends gave me through-out the years.
1. Sit at the Table
Don’t wait for someone to invite you to the table, when you see an open chair (in both the physical and virtual room), sit right down. There are no spaces you don’t deserve to be in. Your voice is worthy of taking space.
2. Contribute, don’t just talk (to be seen…)
Over time, your contributions will evolve. Your voice will keep becoming as you evolve. Embrace this journey; but don’t be consumed by it. Don’t let fear cause you to follow others, listen to your whispers. They will guide you.
3. Avoid Decision Fatigue
Minimize the decisions in your life where possible. Taking just a moment to plan your day, week, month is worth a thousand active hours. Start your day with a simple list of what matters most and guard your time.
4. Time is your Greatest Asset
Every time you scroll through social media (making others money there is an opportunity cost for yourself. Take a moment to ponder “what is your time worth?”
- Did that hour of scrolling cost you an hour of working on your intentions?
- Were those 3o min of TV worth brainstorming your next creative project?
- Maybe that phone call from a draining person in your life was a pricey exchange for a Facetime with a friend you’ve been “meaning to call”?
- If this hurts just say ouch. I’m preaching to myself first (the choir hahaha). Time Management is one of the greatest skills you can master. With 2024 approaching, Whispers is gearing up for our first event. I will be walking through 2024 Planner options, sharing my personal experience and how conscious time managementhelped me achieve my goals this year. This virtual event will be free. Click Here to reserve your spot before our inaugural class fills up!
5. Invest in a Good Work Bag
I purchase myself a nice work bag once a year. I do this as the course of my career (commute, WFH, casual office, professional office, ect…) changes over time. A work bag should contain the items that will make your work day more comfortable, creative and customized to you. Before the holidays I’ll try to dedicate a post to my top 10 recommendations.
BONUS: Define “Rest” for Yourself
I previously believed the word “rest” was pre-defined. When I thought about rest, I pictured a bed, covers, naps, sleep…. and that’s about it. It wasn’t until I read the book Rest is Resistanceby Tricia Hersey Founder of the Nap Ministry; I realized my definition was far too narrow.
In search for a different type of rest we recently packed up the dog, 2 kiddos, totes and a cooler for a place we hoped we would remember forever. This year, understanding food sources, how our food makes it to the table, and the macronutrients we consume for good health has become far more engaging to me. I wanted us as a family to experience a bit of reverence for this process by staying a few nights on a FARM!
Before arrival I was not feeling my best. My stress level was high, our family was in the formative stages of a new beginning, and feelings of burn out was very much upon me. I knew this time away from the routines, could not have come at a better time. I certainly felt some guilt having one last summer adventure with the kids, but… YOLO :).
Sassafras Farms exceeded our expectations in every way. There were an incredible amount family-friendly activities, and the hosts showed us the meaning of “southern hospitality”. We stayed 3+ days and never left the property. During our stay rest was….
- Staring at the clouds pondering mid-career reflections with gratitude for my journey
- A no-rush breakfast with my family, lingering over laughs and coffee
- Watching Cleo (our Boston Terrier) running through open grass for the first time
- Morning prayer and devotion in a sun kissed sky…..
Sun Kissed Sky
If I could gush one more thing… The Hosts brought us farm-fresh eggs in the morning!?!!? I’m so grateful our family will have these memories forever….We were already planning our next stay during the road trip home. Worth every penny and more!
Farm fresh eggs!
I hope this post is helpful to someone who needs it. It was so enjoyable for me to write it.
In peace,
Judith