Mind blown. That’s how I felt when my therapist told me about the 8-8-8 rule. We were talking about balance because I was feeling burnt out, and this is what she said: “Do the math, Missy.
You have 24 hours in the day. Eight to sleep, eight to work, and eight to play.”
Stop the bus…
Did you say eight to play? And to sleep?
I replayed what she said in my mind and did some quick math. Sure enough — it checks out!
FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
We’ve all heard this before, right? But it’s actually something one has to practice, and it took me 32 years to really listen to the advice. Like I mentioned, I was going through burnout not too long ago. It happens to me occasionally, but I’ve learned how to see the signs, and I finally made a breakthrough on how to self-correct. Well, my husband actually figured it out. I felt like I was on the hamster wheel — waking up, working until the sun was down, and waking back up to do it all over again. He suggested, “Why don’t you start going in later? You always work late, so why don’t you take time in the morning to do yoga, drink coffee on the couch, take Preston for a walk, and then make your way in?”
And wouldn’t you know it, by the second morning I walked in, and I felt like a different person. It was one small change that I had the ability to control, and it has increased my happiness and my relationships with others. I have a cup to pour from.
MAKE SMALL CHANGES
Now, I realize that’s a luxury not everyone has — to decide to go into work two hours later whenever your significant other suggests it — however it was something I could control. I was able to go back to a routine that I had in place before last year went bonkers. It brought me back. If you’re feeling out of sorts, what can you control to improve your everyday? Is it simply getting out of PJ’s and putting on professional clothes? Swinging by your favorite coffee shop in
the morning, or going for a midday walk or a workout? Bring those routines back.
PERSEVERE
What I love about this issue every year are the inspiring people we get to highlight. Our 2021 Ones to Watch class and Impact JCMO recipients know a thing or two about seeing things through, swimming against the current, and going above and beyond. Reading their stories always inspires me to persevere. Receiving accolades such as these does not happen overnight. When we look at their resumes and history of commitments to our community, it’s a reminder that good things take time.
Recipients, enjoy your spotlight. Keep improving your life and the lives of others around you, and don’t forget there are enough hours in the day to sleep and play alongside your hustle.
Missy Creed McFerron, Publisher
(she/her/hers)