Sometimes the pressures of modern-day life can seem relentless. Knowing when to take time out and even how to relax is absolutely critical to finding some sense of balance. Taking on extra responsibilities can be good for the soul and our sense of self-worth. It gives us a sense of focus and activity but as I’ve mentioned in a recent blog we also have to be very careful to set boundaries and protect ourselves from being exploited and taken for granted.
Speaking personally, it’s taken me a lifetime to understand that, yet sometimes I still end up taking on additional things. Sometimes it’s instinctive and just feels right and other times I feel obliged to do it, because no-one else comes forward and there may be an urgency to the task.
Right now, I have an awful lot on with a challenging play over the next two weeks, an unresolved injury, divorce negotiations, several difficult household and domestic problems to resolve, plus an AGM and other Wimblecomm issues to sort in the next month. All that on top of the death of a close family member in the last fortnight.
Last autumn I took a week out to travel round the north and midlands on public transport taking in a couple of AFC Wimbledon away fixtures en-route. It was fabulous but it was the only real break I’ve had for six years, and I desperately need another one.
The death of the family member (my uncle Mervyn) was a particularly pertinent reminder about how important it is to try and take some time out for oneself. I’ve always looked up to Mervyn and his twin Paul (younger brothers to my mum) as they have always been there supporting their families and grandchildren throughout their lives. Both worked incredibly hard for them.
Mervyn was very successful and organised right up to the day of his death, but was also a lot of fun, particularly when me, my brothers and cousins were growing up, which I remember fondly. He also, importantly, found time to take holidays during his busy schedule.
So, I’ve resolved that early in 2025, if everything falls into place, I’m going to take that break that I need and hopefully get away for several months. My colleagues at Wimblecomm have been informed and I will be passing on my responsibilities to them. I’m not standing down, but I will be handing on the role of Chair (at least temporarily) to a fellow trustee.
I mentioned in a blog a few months back about the history of my family on my mum’s side (I know very little about my father’s and stepfather’s) and their upbringing in Mandatory Palestine. Many of my grandmother’s relatives were sent to Australia. Many are still there. I’ve never been ‘down under’, so plan to delve more into the archives and tell that part of the family history.
I have recently been reading, when I get a moment, a book by an old friend and former work client of mine, which is quite an engaging story and draws on his family’s own heritage. I know others who have started to dig back into their history using the various on-line and other tools that are out there. I’m sure most of us have seen the TV series ‘Who Do You Think You Are’.
So many of our ancestors’ stories get buried with them, partly it seems sometimes, because they are embarrassed to tell those stories as they think it will reflect badly on them. Whilst I understand that we are all human and it is those human frailties which make us interesting. Even my uncle, God rest his soul, made mistakes in his life. We all do. That’s how we learn.
So, the coming months will be focused on planning that break so I can get away and start to tell that story. Next week I’ll start to reflect on how we tell our stories and my experiences this year.