R&R - Rest Won't Change Your Life...But This Will
The Real R&R You Need
When we think about R&R this time of year, most of us go straight to REST and RELAXATION. And while we absolutely need that (probably more than we give ourselves permission for), the most meaningful, fulfilling moments in my life didn’t come from resting. They came from RELATIONSHIPS I formed and RISKS I took.
Relationships and Risks
The things that have changed me the most are conversations that stretched me, the people who challenged me, and the moments that felt uncertain or even a little uncomfortable. Sometimes, the relationship itself was the risk.
If we want fulfilling, meaningful lives, we need to be willing to invest in relationships and take risks.
We’re not meant to do life alone. We need people around us who support us, who make us laugh, who feel safe to our nervous system, and who also push us to grow.
Not every relationship is easy or light. Some are here to help us build self-awareness, shift our perspective, or challenge our way of thinking. Some of the more difficult people in my life have taught me the most valuable lessons (including how I don't want to be as a boss, parent, or friend).
And then there’s risk. Risk is uncomfortable by nature because there is a lot of uncertainty and no guarantees or perfect outcomes.
But every risk provides so much value. Either you get the result you wanted, you get something even better, or you learn the hard lessons that help you with everything that comes next.
Sometimes risk looks like going after something bigger. Sometimes it’s walking away. And sometimes, it means losing something you thought you needed like a job, financial security, or even a relationship.
Two of the biggest risks I've taken in the past decade include 1) leaving corporate accounting to start my own business and 2) moving from NJ to FL. They both involved leaving something familiar, taking on something new, and navigating a ton of uncertainty (and logistics).
Both risks brought rewards and detriments. I love the work I do, the clients I serve, and the flexibility I have created in my business. But creating offerings and attracting clients never ends and I miss having a larger structure, coworkers, and others to rely on at times.
I love living in Florida near the beach and spending time outdoors, but we suffered through a few major hurricanes, and I often miss my NJ people (as well as the pizza and bagels!)
Taking these risks has been more than worth the hard times and have brought me so much fulfillment, growth, and opportunity. I can't imagine going back and not taking them. But at the time, they were SCARY.
And I'm doing it again! I'm leaving for an adventure vacation next week with the family to Vancouver for an Alaska Cruise. I'm taking a risk by not sending out this newsletter for the next 2 weeks so I can be fully present and disconnected. And I am relying on the relationships I've formed that it won't impact my business.
It is a calculated risk that I am willing to take because I want to keep pushing past my edge, moving past perfectionism, and breaking out of the box (that I created for myself when I decided to write these weekly).
You don't need to (nor do I recommend) taking on risk all the time, but choosing not to take any risks creates a life that feels small. It might feel safe at first, but over time it actually becomes harder.
When you stop taking risks, even small things start to feel difficult. You lose the muscle, the confidence, and the belief that you can handle what comes your way.
So as you think about your R&R this summer, YES - rest, relax, and have fun! You deserve that.
But also think about the relationships worth investing in. The ones you want to deepen, rebuild, or maybe even create.
And ask yourself what risks are calling you forward right now. Big or small, they are worth considering, even if it is with some jitters.
And you don’t have to choose just one! You can have rest, relaxation, relationships, AND risk - all in the same season.
That’s where real fulfillment lives. That's what feeling alive is - when you have the right balance of people, opportunities, fun, and refueling.
If you want support creating a summer and a life that actually feels as good as it looks, reach out. I’d love to help you build it.
Cheers to your version of R&R,
Sharon
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