Growing up, I always saw my dad working late hours into the evenings and weekends. I see this even now. Sometimes, it frustrates my mum. Sometimes, she understands. It’s always from a kind place – as she just wants him to be present, both with her and us. Sometimes she expects me and my brother to be working just as much. But, I’ve always believed that I don’t want to be like that. I have wanted to be present for my family from a young age. I have wanted to be prioritising them over work. I have wanted to separate work from home, so that I’m never frustrated at my family and always present. I know now that these things are harder than they sound, but I can at least try, right?
I’ve seen this with my own limited experience while working. The commute doesn’t always decompress me as much as I hoped it would by the time I get home. And sometimes, I need another few minutes to just deflate and exhale all the day’s frustrations and hard feelings. I have found just having these few minutes of peace to myself really helps. Writing, talking it out, breathing or even just closing my eyes for a few minutes for a much needed but unintentional nap in my parking garage, really does help. Just one of these things ensures that I enter the house with a fresh headspace, ready to take on whatever is happening at home; ready to be present for my family and friends. I visibly notice the difference when I don’t do this. It’s a lifesaver. I’d rather come home a few minutes later than come home in a bad mood.
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