Posting and Priorities

It's been months since I've done a blog post! In this season of my life, I've been working hard to prioritize and not let busyness get in the way of the things that are most important. I was shocked when someone in my A-100 (i.e., my orientation class of diplomats) polled our group recently on how many hours people are working per week. A diplomatic career will not set its own boundaries: there are always more issues, more crises, more places to make a difference.

In my own life and career, I am setting the boundaries I need to make sure I can be present for my family and especially for my child in these crucial, too-short years. I also have made my own health and wellbeing a priority too, from my New Year's Resolution on mindfulness to my gym commitment to my creative writing. All these things take time and energy, which most of us have in only short supply.

I highly, highly recommend Foreign Service Officers set these boundaries as early as possible in their careers because I don't think it gets any easier as you move up through the ranks but in fact only becomes more difficult. Studies show burned out staff do not produce the best work, most creative solutions, or highest quality outcomes. We need to rest and recover so we are ready when a real emergency hits.

So that brings me to the blog. As a parent, I have much less time for blogging things like trips than I did before! On the downside, there are fewer photos to document our travels and more often I have to say things like, "And what was that place we loved the last time we went again?" On the upside, it's allowed me to be more present in the moment when I don't even have in the back of my mind, "Which photos and stories would be the most fun for the blog?" I think striking a good balance is important because blogging is something I enjoy doing and people have told me they enjoy reading my posts. I'm especially touched whenever I get an email from a new diplomat who joined the Foreign Service and is a fan of the blog! I remember when I was in their shoes almost 10 (!) years ago now and it means so much to me to give back.

I've sprinkled throughout this post a few photos from recent excursions around Ajman, Dubai, and our Marine Corps Ball. (Every year, we celebrate the birthday of the U.S. Marines with a Marine Corps Ball at our diplomatic posts around the world. Our Marines help keep us and our national security save overseas, and I'm so grateful for their service.) That's it for now, but I promise it won't be so many months before the next post this time!