by Sean Croxton

I’m alive!

Very much so, in fact.

When I decided to take a six-week break to recharge my batteries, I honestly didn’t think I could do it. It just seemed like a really long time to be away from a topic, business, and community that I am so passionate about. But looking back, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Sometimes our passions can become our obsessions, slowly pushing out the many other incredibly important aspects of our lives. In my case, I had become so focused on this blog, UW Radio, social media updates/tweets, and the three HUGE launches we had in a span of nine months, that I had lost perspective of what life is all about.

In other words, as UW has grown, it has been to the detriment of relationships with family and friends. Although this work is my passion, I wasn’t having much fun outside of it. Every day was Groundhog Day with the days seemingly running together, lacking any hint of variety, or what Tony Robbins would call “uncertainty”.

Wake up. Read. Write. Prep for a show. Work out. Read more. Go to bed. Back to step one.

Kinda sounds like it sucks, huh?

Well, it did. Yet at the same time, I can’t help but be reminded of a quote I found on Facebook a few weeks ago. It went like this…

“Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.” – Unknown

For the past five years, I have busted my tail to live the very life I am living today. But did it come with a price? Absolutely!

I always recommend that we listen to our bodies. Recently my body had been screaming at me. My immune system had literally taken one big sh*t, as I’ve had 3 separate sinus infections this year alone with the most recent one being the worst, starting literally the day after The Real Food Summit ended and persisting for over 3 weeks. Sucked!

Stress ruins your immune system. I’m living proof of that, as I’m 100% sure my sinus woes had been due to way too much stress from back-to-back-to-back launches along with a beyond-rocky intimate relationship that should have ended a long time ago.

The body doesn’t lie.

These past six weeks taught me a lot about balance. During my vacation, I spent more quality time with friends and family than I had in this entire decade combined. I forgot how fulfilling it can be to be around those you love and admire.

I went hiking.

I frolicked in the ocean.

I went camping in 106-degree weather with my family.

I stand-up paddled and didn’t fall!

I watched a ton of movies.

I waded in Deep Creek.

Saw a friend get married.

Went out for countless lunches and dinners.

I danced.

Went on some really good dates.

Joined my first Fantasy Football league.

Watched 4 seasons of Breaking Bad on Netflix in a span of 3 days.

Saw Tony Robbins and walked over hot, burning coals.

I had a friggin’ blast! Even better, my energy and passion are back. And although my immune system has not returned to exactly where I want it to be, the only way it will ever return to normal is if I strive to keep my life in balance.

From now on, work starts at 9am and ends at 5pm, with UW Radio shows being the only exception.

I won’t go more than 3 months without seeing my family.

I’ll spend time with friends at least 3 times a week.

I’ll never put my work before my partner (when I find one) again.

Those are just a few of the promises I have made to myself. I’m keeping all of them.

So, what’s next for me and UW?

First up, I’m going on the air with Dr. Kalish in about 2 hours.

For those of you looking to rock a JERF tee, we’ll have them up for sale next week after we work out a few shipping issues.

Next month I’ll be launching a new website dedicated to personal development, entrepreneurship, and community service. The new site will also come with a brand new podcast that you’re gonna love!

Lastly, I’m in the process of looking for a space to shoot high-quality YouTube videos. After over a year away, I’m ready to go back on camera. Be on the lookout!

No more summits! Not for a long time. All I want to do is read, write, podcast, and shoot videos. That’s it. That’s enough for now.

Take an inventory of your life. Where are you out of balance? What is your body saying to you? You don’t have to take six weeks off to figure it out. Just being aware is the first step to bringing your life into alignment.

It’s good to be back.

Peace, y’all!

Sean
Author, The Dark Side of Fat Loss