I have a confession. I’m an action junkie. I enjoy my work so much that it’s nearly impossible for me to stop working. I have a tendency to schedule every hour of my day from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep. This is partly because the wedding and event business is just extremely time consuming, but I know it’s also just how I’m wired.
What amazes me, though, are those of you who juggle our crazy industry with parenthood! I can only imagine what it’s like trying to balance the long hours our business demands with the long hours of attention children need.
But what about those rare days when you do try and take it easy? What happens on your family vacations? I’ve learned that the only way I can relax is by starting each vacation day with a long run. Only then am I able to sit by the pool and read. Of course, I still often catch myself thinking about work. I just can’t help it!
Sometimes, however, if I’m reading a really good book, I can forget about work. I live for these good reads! My talented, not to mention gorgeous, friend Katie Lee recently wrote a novel about the hip New York City social scene. It’s called Groundswell, and I simply couldn’t put it down. Her insight in particular into the annual Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is spot on. Well done, Katie!
Dear Readers, tell me, how do you balance your work with raising your kids? And how do you relax? What’s your tried and true method for unwinding?
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Pam Archer
July 14, 2011
Get me near water! The ocean, a pool where there is a breeze, the mountains, anywhere where I can enjoy nature and sunshine. This is relaxing to me and restores my soul This is prime season for us, so it is even more important to find stress release and rest. Two of my daughters and I have season passes to Dolly Parton’s amazing water park, Splash Country. We try to find one day every week or two to drive to the Great Smoky Mountains to slip and slide on the water rides, swim, and float in the Lazy River.
It’s difficult to find a balance, but necessary for our good health.
Nissa Gadbois
July 14, 2011
I have eight children, and I’m an event planner. I like busy. I REALLY like busy. The key – for me – is involving my children in as much of the process as possible. They are creative and curious – by nature or by nurture, I can’t say for sure.
On family vacations, we are always seeking inspiration, looking for beauty. The colours and forms of nature, architecture, etc. And we educate our children at home, which opens the door to some really rich educational experiences.
Being inactive is NOT relaxing for me. Seeking inspiration, being creative, is. So people like us have a different definition of relaxation than those who prefer to lounge on a beach with a book. We’re too curious about the world to sit still.
Crystal Adair-Benning
July 14, 2011
Were you hiding in my suitcase for the last couple weeks I was on vacation, Preston? I kept getting asked by my girlfriend if I EVER stopped working or just relaxed. In truth… nope. I always want to know what the next thing is, the next project, site, experience… it keeps me motivated.
She however had other plans and I have to say I FINALLY understood the beauty of sitting with someone watching a sunset, sipping champagne and just indulging in a moment and making a sensory memory together. Just WOW!
So I guess for me the relaxation comes from the person I’m vacationing with and taking into consideration their needs beyond my very own. When we slow down, do yoga, or even just breathe – the roses smell so much sweeter.
Heather
July 14, 2011
Preston – love to sleep, or take a swim or enjoy a great event where I am the guest!!!
Lori
July 14, 2011
Hiking and Golfing. Any day I get to go outside and play is a good day.
Angela
July 14, 2011
This article is for me. I feel so bad that i do not get to spend as much time with my kids like I used to. It can be really difficult most times. I always ensure i have my family time though once we have some breathe of fresh air. I however try not to joke with my major holidays with my family i.e the summer, christmas holiday. That really is our major time alone. No work please!!!!
Bucktown Guy
July 14, 2011
As soon as I walk into my home, my phone is off. I don’t have a computer or TV in my home. This is my way to relax.
Napkin Wizard
July 15, 2011
I work all the time. When I feel like overwhelmed with work. I always find my comfort by going to a movie and have a popcorn and soda. Make me feel like a kid again. It will revive my energy.
Sara Shaw
July 17, 2011
Ways to relax : Get a Hammock ! They are great for your back & hard to get out of !
Put on some soothing music & take some deep breaths. Day dream about some new ideas if you want. Or try meditation………no thoughts. Just be totally present
& listen to the music. Ocean sounds are great, too !
Don’t drink any coffee for awhile & count your blessings !
Sara
John James
September 27, 2011
Are you too hooked in your work and no time to relax? Then you can enjoy with other people in a boot camp. Yes, that is right you can surely relax and enjoy at the same time. So, what are you waiting for? Come discover what you can do in boot camps here .
NEX-5
November 16, 2011
Е, това е първата ми проверка в блога си! Ние сме група доброволци и за започване на марката нова инициатива в регионална общност в точно същата ниша. Вашият блог ни е предоставил ценна информация за работа. Свършили сте прекрасна задача!
ARJ
July 10, 2012
Dear Readers, tell me, how do you balance your work with raising your kids? And how do you relax? What’s your tried and true method for unwinding?
I don’t have children so relaxing is easy to do anytime. However for me it is very simple I don’t let my job take over my life. I control how many clients I take on at any given time. I enjoy the job but it isn’t the only thing in life I enjoy so I keep it in its place and still live my life.