Yeah, I'm done.

Earlier this week, I told my boss that I had decided to take 3 weeks off. Completely off. No redirected emails, no calls, no little help here and there, no coming in for an hour or two. Taking three weeks off is one thing – and it’s easier during the Holidays. But... I realize that cutting off the emails isn’t as easy. As the week went by, I felt a nagging resistance. Not really from others (though some events today showed me that maybe some didn’t quite embrace my decision). It mostly came from myself. Maybe I should keep an eye on the emails just in case...

NO.

For the past years, I was never really on vacation. I would have access to all emails... and I would follow up on the «important» ones. It wasn’t imposed on me. I wanted it that way. I didn’t mind. But now, people are used to me being available at all times. Nights, weekends, and vacations too.

As said before... my present state is not new to me. Been there. Done that.

But this is the first time I pull the plug on my own, before a doctor told me to do it (though I know that if I did see a doctor today, I would get that call). I think it is the right decision. I hope it’s not too late. I hope three weeks will be enough. But somewhere deep inside, I know it won’t. Thus the email break.

This is NOT a vacation. This is a health leave.

Disconnecting will be difficult. The main subject of my job is on the news all the time. It’s in my Facebook feed. And other social media too. I can’t avoid the subject completely.

I will do the best I can. I will try to be just myself for the next three weeks. Not to be «what I do for work». I really need to get off the train for a while. So...

A daily walk in my small town or in the surrounding forest.

At least one good meal a day.

A drive to the City once in a while.

Visit some friends.

Early to bed... and rise whenever I want.

I'm done. For three weeks.

And then... we'll see.