The recharge moment

Today is the first day at work after a week off from the craziness. During my time off, I tried to wind down from the world that I work in; get plugged back in to a sense of calm and get recharged without distraction.

Suffice it to say that although my kids got sick, and work beckoned a few times during the week, prepared for my presentation in December for an upcoming Law Conference in Europe, and we even traveled to family for Turkey sharing etc I was somehow able to turn the volume way down and took a "pause". If anything it gave me a new perspective in how I perceive myself, in a lesser important sort of way. Although I have been involved with more responsibility at work and consider many more issues a day, some of which get Executive level attention; I was reminded that the job is a job and the job is not all that I am. I also remembered what my role is; and that is to do my best and to let go if things do not always go as planned.

When I am deep into work however, it is easy to get carried away, rolled up in the pressure, determined to do really well and to execute flawlessly etc. Even though this may be a good thing, it can overwhelm the sense of purpose I have and then I forget to breathe.

But the recharge helped.

I think the recharge moment happened when I was chatting with my husband, in our library when the candles were lit; book in hand, green tea in cup where I just enjoyed the quiet, the "non-activity" the solitude of not having to do something. There is much more excitement, happiness, life, energy, inspiration, dreams, hope and goodness beyond work. So much to be thankful for and even more to reflect on. We also caught up on a few films, met up with friends and caught up with Carla, Pieter's Mom and Bella's Oma (currently referred to as Aba by Alec who somehow refuses to call her anything else) is visiting us for a few weeks.

So despite the other issues I had to address during my week off, I woke up this morning ready for another day at work, and very cognizant that it is just that, not any more, not any less. I think that a vacation just needs that extra moment or two; when we realize stuff will happen with or without us and when we get back, it will be continue and still keep going...So why not look at it for what it is and keep things in perspective.

Peace

Increased capacity during challenges

Recently, I have been traveling weekly to DC and work on several new responsibilities as my job has expanded as of October of this year. Apart from being Area Counsel to the "Mid-Atlantic" area of the US consisting of 8 states, lots of dollars and contracts to negotiate, the area is now twice the size and include responsibility for the legal management of the"Federal" area of the business, and all that it implies.

This new area is not completely foreign to me, since I worked in a heavily regulated area before going to my current job, and I was used to the government cultures which is starkly different from the commercial arena, with laws, regulations and public policy issues laden in every action, contract and issue.

When I took over this area, I was not sure what to expect; and even hesitant to dive deeply in the waters of the surrounding issues encompassing this Federal area. However, with utter support and confidence by my colleagues, some how I did not or have not yet drowned. Instead, I am making progress, trying to advise on improvements and almost feel strangely at ease. I do not believe however that this confidence or calm is stemming from me. Instead, I believe firmly that I am getting a lot of assistance from prayer, meditation, humility and trust in something way beyond me.

In a wonderful book by Dr. Youness Afroukhteh, called Memories of Nine Years in Akka, there are many inspiring words which come from the recently translated work by the author's memoirs who served Abdu'l Baha (son of Baha'u'llah founder of Bahai Faith) as his secretary and interpreter from 1900-1909. There was a point when the author was guided to change his profession from banking to medicine; at an age of mid 30's when he was sure it was going to be an impossible feat; and highly unlikely that he would succeed. However, through prayer, advice and consultation within own self-reflection; as well pearls of wisdom from Abdu'l Baha, he completed his studies and accomplished this difficult task.

One concept that was held close to his heart while attempting the new studies, was based on how to access assistance and Divine confirmation. Reciting the advice by Abdu'l Baha directly:

"In any and all endeavors, divine confirmation is wholly dependent on action. Persevere, so that the hosts of divine bounty may assist you"; "The hosts of divine blessing are poised behind this very window waiting for you to act. If you do not enter the arena of service, of what use are the hosts of heavenly confirmation? If the commander of the army remains idle and passive, how can the army achieve victory?"