For the first time in eight to nine months, I took one day of leave for the first time, and cumulatively I took four days of leave.
Doubt
I was very doubtful before I applied because I had many pending tasks and deadlines to match, and I was wondering if four days would be a little too much; so, even before applying, I thought several times but then clicked the submit button and shut my laptop for the day.
I planned a lot of tasks for four days, like cleaning the cupboards, cleaning the kitchen and the dry area, giving the dogs a wash, etc.
I made a comprehensive list of all the tasks and kept adding to it all the time until the page was over, but my tasks still needed to be completed. I had to put a full stop to it and close my to-do notebook.
My excitement was similar to that of a teenager who has fallen in love and is looking forward to dressing up to woo the lover with visible joy in all activities.
I started day one of my long break by finishing a lot of pending tasks like calling the guy for the AC repair, washing machine servicing, some electric repairs, etc., but also adding a little zing by shopping for the festivals coming soon.
That’s always a joy!
Visualize me baking for my boys and house-smelling for freshly baked cupcakes, sipping my favourite Merlot, watching Netflix and lazing on the couch.
Ah! It was amazingly relaxing and so much different from my usual time-to-do-this-time-to-do-that days.
Should I, should I not
On and off, I had an urge to check my mailbox, which had an added number of emails every time I opened my phone.
I was behaving like that poky neighbour who is always interested in getting some masala from somewhere ..tsh tsh.
In all these errands, the day of romantising break was over.
You might be wondering if I slept well after reading about my relaxed day.
But, no. I was anxious, restless and, above all, tensed for the next day.
The WORD
The reason, “Oh! With just three days remaining and so much to do, the grind begins on the fourth day.”
Seeing me scurrying around the foyer, my boy asked what was worrying me. Listening to me, he said, “Mom, can you NOT do anything? Just sleep off. Don’t bother if you’re unable to go for a run, the house remains unvacuumed for a day, or dogs get their food an hour later. Just laze, go out with friends for a coffee or sip your favourite wine”.
Aha! Yes, he was right. Managing the responsibilities single-handedly adds a lot of pressure, and unknowingly, I work on deadlines similar to office tasks.
From then on, I didn’t check the office WhatsApp group, and thankfully, my colleagues were understanding enough not to ping/call or send an email with high importance when I was on leave.
After four days, my wardrobe is still unorganized, I didn’t bake the cupcakes, dry-cleaning stuff is bundled up, some repair work is pushed for the following weekend, and I login at work in total glee, no regrets.
