ukmaineiac
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2009
- Messages
- 286
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A lot of you have a better personal perspective on being an innkeeper than I do - ie you do an excellent job of balancing your work life and your personal life in an industry where the boundaries will be challenged.
I am of the innkeeping personality type that every guest is a personal challenge, an adrenaline rush. It doesn’t matter how bad I feel or how hungry I am my drive turns towards “who are they”, “what will make THEM happy”, “how much of ME do I need to invest to make up for the fact that the house needs painting” etc etc etc. Ironically, the more good reviews I get, the more the obligation grows. If they’ve read that I’m good – I feel I have to be better to deserve it. All this, the economy and the immediacy of the day to day tasks let me keep my mind off whether or not I’M doing OK.
About 10 days ago I ended up in the ER because my blood sugars were seriously out of control. Now, this is NOT an “OMG I hope you’re doing better” post – because I am. This is a serious reminder that you HAVE to look after yourself first. Have breakfast, have lunch. Pay attention to what your body is telling you – if it says it’s exhausted don’t look to the next guest to help you “forget it”.
Looking back on my post a few weeks ago when I “lost it” for the first time pre-season I can see the warning signs. I also see a number of my very dear, fellow innkeepers were feeling the same way. PLEASE look after yourselves and even if it’s to the minor detriment of your guests (which it won’t be) stop and smell the roses, try and get some perspective and remember YOU come first. It’s YOU your guests are coming for, so make sure YOU are OK.
I've told you before, I am great at giving advice but very bad at taking or following it. This time, I'm taking my own advice.
I am of the innkeeping personality type that every guest is a personal challenge, an adrenaline rush. It doesn’t matter how bad I feel or how hungry I am my drive turns towards “who are they”, “what will make THEM happy”, “how much of ME do I need to invest to make up for the fact that the house needs painting” etc etc etc. Ironically, the more good reviews I get, the more the obligation grows. If they’ve read that I’m good – I feel I have to be better to deserve it. All this, the economy and the immediacy of the day to day tasks let me keep my mind off whether or not I’M doing OK.
About 10 days ago I ended up in the ER because my blood sugars were seriously out of control. Now, this is NOT an “OMG I hope you’re doing better” post – because I am. This is a serious reminder that you HAVE to look after yourself first. Have breakfast, have lunch. Pay attention to what your body is telling you – if it says it’s exhausted don’t look to the next guest to help you “forget it”.
Looking back on my post a few weeks ago when I “lost it” for the first time pre-season I can see the warning signs. I also see a number of my very dear, fellow innkeepers were feeling the same way. PLEASE look after yourselves and even if it’s to the minor detriment of your guests (which it won’t be) stop and smell the roses, try and get some perspective and remember YOU come first. It’s YOU your guests are coming for, so make sure YOU are OK.
I've told you before, I am great at giving advice but very bad at taking or following it. This time, I'm taking my own advice.