If life have been devoid of emotion, how actually boring would it not be? I think about a lot of you’re smiling, even perhaps chuckling, at that very assertion — a testomony to the highly effective, usually unacknowledged, position emotions play in our lives.
13 months in the past, I launched into a deeply private journey to rediscover who I’m.
For over a decade, the continual rhythm of labor and household commitments had subtly pushed “me” to the periphery. I noticed I wanted to pause to mirror on the place these twelve-plus years had taken me. I’m extremely blessed with an exquisite household and a satisfying skilled profession at Cisco, an organization brimming with gifted people. Sports activities, volunteering, spiritual occasions — on paper, I used to be dwelling the dream, proper? With all that richness, what may presumably be lacking?
It was throughout a a lot wanted Cisco Day for Me, a quarterly time without work (sure, 4 occasions a 12 months!) for all the firm to step away from our screens and spend money on ourselves, that the profound realization hit me: I used to be lacking me. The genuine Natalia, stripped of her roles as a mom or a Cisco skilled. I used to be lacking merely being me. That day gave me the precious alternative to mirror and contemplate what could be lacking in my life, and I started to consider what actually introduced me pleasure.
Not lengthy after, I used to be invited to assist a soccer occasion by way of Time2Give, 80 hours of devoted paid day off — along with our trip day off — only for giving again. I’ve all the time loved and been captivated with taking part in volunteer occasions, particularly as a result of they permit me to attach with my group, my canine, and every part else that brings me happiness. Soccer has been a lifelong ardour, from my childhood days to school play, however someplace amidst grownup duties, I had forgotten the sheer pleasure it introduced me. This occasion felt like an indication.
Through the occasion, an surprising alternative arose. They wanted further gamers for a pleasant 7-on-7 match. Regardless of missing correct gear and having my remedy canine by my aspect, an inexplicable drive urged me onto the sphere. And wow — it was a life-changing second. As I performed, it lastly clicked. This was the lacking piece, the pure, unadulterated pleasure I had unknowingly yearned for all these years. Every little thing I beloved about giving again was current right here, however essentially the most significant consequence was rediscovering my ardour for soccer — and this volunteer occasion introduced it roaring again to life.
I acknowledged that soccer was my devoted “me” time, a valuable 90 minutes per week the place I may merely be Nata.
Returning to aggressive sports activities hasn’t been with out its challenges, demanding vital dedication, physiotherapy appointments, and unwavering household assist. However as they are saying, God’s timing is ideal, and this was undeniably my second to return. Quick ahead twelve months, and I’m now enjoying soccer 3 times per week, usually at 9 or 10 PM, within the Nova Scotia Citadel League’s B division.
This rediscovered ardour has unexpectedly enhanced my skilled life, serving to me domesticate a work-life steadiness technique that has actually made me a greater particular person. Similar to coming collectively as a staff in soccer, I’ve embraced Cisco’s ‘One Group’ method — how we play to win as an organization at work, which has made me a stronger and simpler chief. Collaborating carefully with my staff and valuing every member’s distinctive strengths has improved our outcomes and fostered a extra supportive and unified surroundings.
Main with each logic and fervour — qualities I convey to the soccer area — has made me a stronger chief and constructed deeper belief with my staff. For instance, I just lately labored with a staff member who was feeling overwhelmed. In our 1:1, as an alternative of simply discussing deliverables, I made a aware effort to pay attention fastidiously and inspired them to think about an outside exercise that might give them a wholesome break from the day by day routine. They returned feeling extra balanced and motivated, which improved each their well-being and their efficiency at work. Now, I make this a daily a part of my conversations with staff members — serving to them mirror on their very own well-being and discover what recharges them.
My journey has taught me this: regardless of how demanding your day by day life turns into, always remember to determine what actually ignites your feelings. Displaying emotion reminds you that you’re actual, that you simply care, and that you simply matter.
Cisco cares sufficient to supply us with a Day for Me — intentional time to pause and mirror, no emails, no conferences, no interruptions from work. That single day sparked a series response that led me to rediscover a forgotten ardour. Due to this, the renewed power and enthusiasm I’ve gained from soccer have translated right into a extra engaged and resilient method to management, benefiting each myself and people round me. I really feel extra balanced, and this happiness has a constructive influence on my work, my household, and my private well-being.
That is the facility of a tradition that genuinely invests in the entire particular person, encourages us to indicate up as our genuine selves, and I’m actually grateful for this assist. At Cisco, prioritizing your well-being isn’t simply accepted — it’s anticipated, supported, and celebrated. And that makes all of the distinction. ⭐️
Are you able to expertise a profession with an organization that cares about you? Take a look at Cisco Careers now.
