On July 9, 2022, I made what I thought would be a meaningful decision - celebrating my birthday at Admiral Hotel in Manila. As the Philippines was emerging from the pandemic's grip, with people returning to offices, schools reopening, and public transportation becoming more available, I wanted to mark this gradual return to normalcy in a special way.
The decision aligned with my 2021 resolution to create new memories. After spending two years largely confined at home, I felt it was time to treat myself differently. Through a connection at Admiral Hotel, I secured a reservation, envisioning a day of self-care and celebration of life's victories.
The Reality Check
However, the experience turned out to be quite different from what I had imagined. Upon arrival, I discovered that few establishments were open near the hotel. While Manila Bay and Star City were within walking distance, I wanted to relax rather than venture out. But here's the real issue - I didn't know how to relax.
By 2 PM, despite being in a luxurious room with my name displayed on the TV and a comfortable bed all to myself, I found myself falling back into familiar patterns. Instead of exploring or unwinding, I opened my laptop and started working. The very thing I was trying to escape followed me to my sanctuary.
The Revelation
This experience revealed something crucial about myself - I don't know how to be at ease. The thought of relaxing makes me uncomfortable because, in my mind, it equates to not being productive or not contributing to my bank account. This mindset completely contradicted the purpose of my hotel stay, which was meant to be a treat to myself.
Learning from Experience
Reading "Clockwork" by Mike Michalowicz recently has helped me understand what needs to change. I've realized that I need to:
- Learn the art of relaxation
- Improve my time management skills
- Work smarter, not harder
- Allow my business to run more independently
- Create space for both personal time and time with loved ones
Moving Forward
This birthday experience, while not what I initially planned, taught me valuable lessons about self-care and work-life balance. It's not just about booking a hotel room or taking time off - it's about mentally allowing yourself to step away from work and truly embrace relaxation.
As I continue on this journey, my goal is to develop better habits that allow me to both maintain a successful business and enjoy quality time for myself and my family. After all, what's the point of working so hard if we can't take a moment to enjoy the fruits of our labor?
The path to learning how to relax might be challenging for someone like me who's always in high gear, but it's a necessary journey worth taking. Sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is allow ourselves to do nothing at all.
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