We desperately needed a better balance in our life. To free up time to visit places around the island, to go out to the new restaurant in our village and to go to the beach or a museum. Therefore, this year we started to plan our project in more detail. To create an overview and work more focussed.
But we didn’t think of all the things in life that are out of our control. All our work is influenced by the weather, what products are available in store and sometimes even government regulations. That complicates sticking to the planning we made. And again we were working our ass off trying to accomplish everything we said we would. That pressure gives stress.
At the same time our motivating took a hit while worrying about family in The Netherlands. As Winfred’s father is suffering more and more of dementia it creates a growing burden on his mother. We do what we can to help out, but it’s different when living abroad. The growing feeling of powerlessness is paralyzing.
At some point this year our poject just became to big to comprehend. All we could see were unfinished projects everywhere. Our dream almost ended in a ‘we-need-to-do-it-all’ burnout. We needed to take a step back and look at our plans ánd ourselves again. How can we realize all of our dream, without loosing ourselves along the way?
We started by setting 5 year goals for ourselves individually and for the company as a whole. From there we made a very broad and general timeline. We picked one big project to start with. This time we will complete it from A to Z before starting another big project. That will give some peace of mind.
Of course there will we small projects and chores that need to be done in the mean time. But it is a relief to say it out loud: we don’t need to do everything right now. We have years to complete our dream. Let’s take that time and enjoy our adventure!