Good morning, Sunday

I keep using the words "struggle" and "challenge" to describe what I'm going through at work. These are perfectly accurate words but seem hollow when I think about people who have problems lower in the pyramid of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. I don't know, like problems with survival and parasites.

Let me explain. I am reading three books right now. "Leadership and the Sexes," "What Got You Here Won't Get You There," and "Parasite Rex." Mmm, sleeping sickness.

On Friday I had to excuse myself from my desk and go for a walk in the sunlight. I walked down to the aquarium, sat on a bench, stared at the water, and called Jer. I was deciding if I wanted to go back or not. Ever. My mind was not convinced this sort of grandstanding was necessary, but my body said, no, I can't do it anymore. Eventually I reconciled the two halves by making a deal. I would give myself a break. It was 2pm. I would leave at 3pm, get a drink with Jer, and watch Coraline 3D at 5 -- it was sold out when we tried to see it last weekend. So I sent out an email to everyone saying I needed to "take care of a few things," with my cell phone for emergencies, and I left. I did not mention that the "things I needed to take care of" was myself.

I feel a lot better now. Yesterday I wrote some issues out and today I'll write some more out. I need to look at ways I can be proactive about the problems. I've just finished reading "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" and I'll try to incorporate some of those lessons.

There was an anecdote in the book about strength training, and how you have to push yourself until the muscles tear in order for them to regrow stronger. Of course you have to do it correctly or you'll hurt yourself... but I feel as if I'm in a situation where I have to push myself knowing it will hurt, but the end result will be valuable. The trick is to push myself in a way that will be beneficial and not leave lasting damage.