Snorkels Over Stress

Today, I’m writing to you from the Maldives 🏝️

Crystal-clear water. Bare feet in the sand. 10-year wedding anniversary with this guy.

It’s a dream moment. But what’s really blowing my mind?

How different this holiday feels - because of the person I had to become to live it…

Old Me: Busy Mortgage Broker, Always On

Back when I ran my mortgage business, I used to dread holidays.

Not because I didn’t want to go - but because I couldn’t actually unplug.

The first few days I’d still be spinning from the chaos I left behind.

My phone wouldn’t stop.

Emails needed replies.

Fires needed putting out.

Clients still wanted “just a quick call.”

And by the time I finally relaxed?

It was time to go home.

I had time off.

But not freedom.

New Me: Digital Owner, Present + Peaceful

This trip?
Different.

I was relaxed on arrival.

I’ve been snorkelling, laughing, daydreaming...

And I’ve only opened my laptop once - and it was to write to you.

This isn’t just a holiday.

It’s a full-body exhale.

And the truth is…

The location didn’t change. I did.

Why Most Holidays Aren’t Actually Restful

📊 According to a 2022 study by Asana, 70% of knowledge workers experience burnout - even when they technically take time off.

Why? Because time off isn’t freedom if your mind is still trapped in work.

It’s not just about the hours.

It’s about mental ownership.

Even the “Successful” Feel This Trap

You’ve probably heard of Arianna Huffington.

She built The Huffington Post, one of the most successful digital media companies in the world.

From the outside: successful, powerful, unstoppable.

Until one day, she collapsed from exhaustion, hit her head on her desk - broke her cheekbone - and woke up in a pool of her own blood!

Her body forced her to rest because she wouldn't choose to.

That moment changed everything for her.

She now teaches the real definition of success:

Not just money and power - but well-being, wisdom, and wonder.

Are You Time-Rich or Time-Poor?

Here’s a concept that helped me flip the switch:

You don’t become time-rich by accident.

You design for it.

Visual Metaphor: The Suitcase Test 🧳

If your occupation feels like a carry-on you can bring with ease - you’ve got freedom.

If it feels like you’re dragging a 32kg suitcase through sand - it’s time to re-pack.

The Real Question…

If you went on holiday tomorrow -
Would you feel free?

Or would you still feel chained to something?

If the answer makes you uncomfortable - don’t ignore it.

That discomfort is a compass.

Use it.

Your Switch This Week

Here’s your mindset challenge:

🧠 Ask: Am I building towards a business that supports my life - or one that’s running it?

✍️ Journal it.
💭 Reflect on your ideal “day off” feeling.
📆 Audit your next 7 days: Is there time for you in there?

And most importantly:
🎯 Pick one small shift this week to build a time-rich habit.
(Automate something. Say no to a non-essential. Carve 2 hours for white space.)

Because here’s the truth:

Freedom doesn’t come from more income.

It comes from more intention.

And from the courage to redesign your life to fit you, not the other way around.

Now I’m off for a sunset drink and another dip in the sea 🐠

But I’ll leave you with this:

This path may not be easy, but this life is so worth building.

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