What I'm Doing Now
I'm writing this update from a bathtub – one of my favourite spots to get some serious thinking done.
I'm finishing up a three-day retreat in Hội An, which is a beautiful little town 25 minutes away from where I live in Đà Nẵng. I'm feeling very lucky to have the option of spending time between Đà Nẵng and Hội An. They're both very beautiful parts of the country and worth a visit if you're planning on spending some time here.
I decided to take a break from the day-to-day to poke my head up and contemplate a bunch of questions relating to work, life and personal goals.
I don't do this sort of thing often enough. I have friends who do this kind of thing a few times per year and I always tell myself that I should too. It's good to be acting on that after far too long.
It has been delightful giving myself permission to not need to progress anything, to not be productive. The truth is, as great as a solid routine, good habits, discipline and consistency are, they're still wasted if pointed in the wrong direction. Every now and again it's worth stopping to take a look at the compass again.
There's also something extra nice about being able to do this whole thing by motorbike. The ride down here and the few hours I've spent on the open roads of the rice fields have been insanely good at making me feel clear-headed, calm and relaxed.
I'm heading back up to Đà Nẵng tomorrow with some clearer convictions and a renewed focus for the months ahead.
Some advice: take breaks and reflect. As a wise friend reminded me recently:
Experience doesn't become learning without reflection.