Work. Work nights and weekends during a trip of a lifetime, the first visit back home (my adult life home) with our new daughter.
I feel so grateful that I can even do this. I had thought about it when we moved, and look, it’s happening. I work short term as a guest specialist.
Nobody can prepare you for it. Getting out of sync, letting go, and then reentering into the rhythm, I had to be patient with myself. Myself first and foremost, and to trust that I can get back into the groove, as connecting with people happens organically, slow, one at a time. Getting to know others and letting yourself be known. Becoming genuinely interested in other people’s lives, customers or colleagues. I always take my time. I make room and I watch smiling with an open eye and mind.
It’s not easy. Often the thought that crosses my mind when interacting with strangers, is: “I don’t really care”
But every so often people take me by surprise. Every story is special. There are many cool people around us. Some don’t even know it themselves.
I get the feeling that Conrad is doing me a favor by letting me work at a regular job during these holidays. Having started he relaxed a bit, and realizing that everyone else has their agenda, priorities, and need for time away, had I give up this opportunity to be available and flexible when everyone else is not, probably I would have resented it.
It is exhausting. To leave work when it’s dark outside, and having spent there all day, though I still have the satisfaction of a productive day well spent. Nobody micromanages me, most colleagues think I’m from corporate, doing a career experience, or I’m a transfer. I have independence in connecting with customers and enriching lives. Then time flies.
Is this a Vacation. Not fully. But a change of pace, of context. It’s family visit. It’s making the best of our time. Working. All of us. And it’s good.
Today we went to church in willow glen and it was inspiring!