Create Well: Reflections from VOUSCon 2023
I wanted to take a moment to share some reflections with you from VOUSCon, an annual conference hosted by my church. Serving at VOUSCon has been an incredible experience. Core memories! Yet it has also reminded me of the importance of prioritizing well-being amidst demanding commitments. Especially now as a parent.
Throughout this process, I have discovered three key practices that have allowed me to create well and maintain my wellbeing.
01 Pace: Recognizing the season I'm in has been fundamental. By understanding and respecting my energy levels, I approach tasks with a sustainable mindset. It's about intentional choices, not doing less or compromising standards. Strategies like smart scheduling, seeking support, and outsourcing certain tasks have played a vital role in ensuring successful completion of my commitments.
02 Focus: When I commit and say "yes," I mean it. This was especially true for VOUSCon. I recognized the potential distractions that could jeopardize my commitment. In the final two weeks, I focused my energy. I had open conversations with my husband and other project partners, honestly discussing my availability. Establishing a shared understanding helped minimize disappointments and ensure smoother collaboration.
03 Humility: When engaged in months of consistent and demanding creative work, it's natural to reach a point of fatigue. At this stage, it's important to acknowledge that not everything we produce will be perfect, achieve all goals, or satisfy everyone involved. This is where collaboration becomes a crucial practice. Humility comes from understanding that relying solely on my abilities is not the best approach. Seeking input and ideas from others has enriched the quality and effectiveness of my work.
These practices have been instrumental in helping me strike a balance between my responsibilities and my well-being throughout this process. I wanted to share these insights with you, as I believe they can be applied to various aspects of our lives. It's important to remember that by taking care of ourselves, we can ultimately serve others more effectively.
