Take a break ... delegate.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Today is Day 21 of the Everyday Happy Project – Take regular breaks.

We carry out tasks far better if we take regular breaks. Frequent breaks aren’t skiving, they’re energizing and essential for your well being.

There I was, minding my own business, trying to take a break from adulthood ... when all of a sudden I heard a familiar ping.  An e-mail ping.  That ping emanated from none other than the head honcho at work who was emailing me to ask me to take on a very adult task. 

I hesitated before replying.  But, you will be proud to know that I did not say, NO, sorry I'm taking a break from adulthood.  Instead, I said yes.  A hearty, bold, resounding YES, followed by an upbeat ... I would love to help you with that.  Shortly thereafter, panic set in. 

Yeah yeah, I’m well acquainted with life’s MO – plucking people out of desired obscurity at any moment – hoping for willing participants, but also perfectly willing to take those who choose to kick and scream, enjoying the skirmish with its more tenacious resistors. I guess there comes a point in life, when you realize that resistance is futile, and you agree to be a grown up and plan your long time co-worker’s retirement luncheon.

After the panic wore off, I settled into an "oh crap" state of mind.

Born into a non fru fru family, and currently being the antithesis of Emily Post, I have never been much of a party planner. I’m not your “go to person” for showers, receptions or even birthday parties. Not saying that I have never hosted a small soiree now and then, but I sorely lack the skills needed to host a luncheon for 55 people.

My first instinct was to rally the troops, so I called on our eldest and most socially experienced staff member. I explained the task at hand, and told her she was now the unofficial CEO of our two person team, and that all she had to do was tell me what to do, and I would make it happen. She rattled off a list of things that needed to be done, and I immediately called the Public Relations firm which our firm has on retainer, and gave a very perky PR owner all the details “she” would need to make this retirement shindig happen. I used to question the need for a Public Relations firm. I now get it. I totally get it. I’m even thinking of hiring a PR person of my very own. I could really use someone like that in my personal life.

Who knew that being in charge was going to be so easy, while simultaneously outfoxing adulthood?   Talk about laid back multi-tasking.

Ahhhh .... aren't breaks great?


P.S.  Skiving is a non American term (the Everyday Happy book is by an British author) which means slacking off.


House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.