I am in Mexico as I write this, enjoying the sun, the breeze, the sand … looking forward to a week of downtime and unplugging (after I get this out to all of you!).

I seriously resist slowing down and downshifting, but when I finally do, it’s sooooo needed!

And Welcomed.

Part of my resistance is that I deeply love the work that I do, and the line between play and work often blurs.

Someone recently asked me what I did for fun, and I found myself replying, “Um, I work … my work is fun … ?”

Tragic. But true.

Another part of it is that I grew up in a family and a culture in which performance, achievement and hard work was valued, seen, admired and rewarded. I meet many of my needs to be seen, valued, heard … to matter … through work. Part of the tragedy of demands put on us by modern day life is that work becomes such a central strategy.

And then there is the fact that I find deep meaning, joy, fulfillment and purpose through my work. True, and joyful.

I take Joseph Campbell quite literally when he says,

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”

Reflecting on my own inner conflicts about shifting gears, I’ve been wondering about all of you ….

• What is your own relationship with slowing down?

• How easily does self-care come to you?

• When was the last time you just downshifted, and relaxed?

• What seriously helps you to shift gears and change your perspective on your life?

I’d love to hear from you – especially on facebook which will be the easiest way to follow you all this week … I probably have quite a few lessons to learn here!