This year has been a whirlwind for so many, myself included. It was chaotic before COVID. I was a part of a divestiture, during which my company was sold to a privately held ownership group. While overall I came of the deal with a promotion, I was also stunned and left on uneven ground lacking relationships and trust at my new organization. COVID actually offered me an opportunity to build trust and show my leadership acumen during a crisis. The problem with all of this, is that while trying to ensure my longevity and financial stability, I developed a habit of saying yes to everything. This isn't something I normally do. However I was juggling and found it easier and less confrontational. As I took stock of my stress and unhappiness at the end of the Summer, I realized that I created situations in which I was allowing those around me to take too much from me, and not revitalizing myself. I became grouchy and a bit disoriented. Once again I realized that I failed to implement boundaries. This is something I have struggled with for years. Partially because I am always trying to combat stereo types, and partially because generosity in one of my love languages. So how did I get back on track? 1. I stepped away from Social media for a bit. It served as an unneeded source of distraction and stress. I didn't leave, I cut down by about 75% 2. I started being honest about the heavy load I was carrying. I stopped allowing assumptions about my schedule. I also stopped being guilted into doing things, assuming others could not. 3. I hopped on a flight and spent a week in my happy place. My happy place happens to be with my sister and her family. I worked while they were at school, and greeted them every day when they came home. I spent a week organizing and doing small projects in her new home. It was amazing, the hugs from my nieces and nephews everyday were the best. 4. I re-established boundaries. I don't answer random phone calls in the middle of the day. I put my cell on do not disturb from 10:30 PM to 7 AM daily. I stopped letting my boss ask me to take notes during meetings (I'm a VP), everyone should take their own notes and it was driving me crazy. I stopped letting my parents drive me up the wall. 5. I reset my workout routine, I need an outlet for my energy because I am working remotely. I gifted myself a Peloton and fell in love with community. Things still are not exactly as I would like them to be. It's still COVID, and we have a long winter ahead, but hopefully I've set a solid foundation to get through this with some of my sanity still in tact!