I was talking to my brother the other day.  I know he was teasing when he made the comment about “now that you have nothing to do…” but I’m sure he was curious about exactly what I would be doing.  And others have hinted at the same thing. They think this sabbatical of mine is just an extended vacation, during which time I’ll laze around in my pj’s, watch soap operas, and eat bon-bons all day.  It’s up to me to not just tell them, but show them, that I am taking this time off seriously, as a way to get clear on how I really want to be spending my time, aligning my values with my calendar.

That will take some self-discipline, which I think all work-from-homers deal with.  Today, for example, you would find me still in my pj’s right now, and it’s 3:36 in the afternoon. But I’m sick, and have been for almost a week now.  The doc says rest, so that is what I am trying to do.  And besides, my sabbatical doesn’t officially start until 5:01 pm on Friday. Today is still paid sick leave, which goes away when I give up my paid job.

So I’m making a few rules for myself – to remind me and the rest of the world, that I am working my plan.  Part of my plan, though, is to rest and recover from a year of high stress, so I will be kind to myself.  With that in mind, here are the rules I’m making:

1.  I will get dressed every day … right after breakfast, which is what I would do if I had a “real” job.  Unless I’m sick, when maximum comfort prevails.
2. I will make my bed everyday, which is also what I do now.   Unless I’m sick and sleeping in it.
3. I will stay in touch with the outside world.  I will go to Toastmasters weekly, and my writing group monthly, at a minimum.  But I won’t get so busy that I forfeit time for myself.
4. Even though I’ll be on a strict budget, I will splurge and buy only Kleenex brand tissues. Because the store brand had made my nose sore and my fingertips aren’t happy to pull them out of the box.

I  won’t make any more rules until I’m feeling better.  But I think this is a good start.