Chapter 10 FLAUNTING MY BREAKS
In the summer of 1984, I was hired as a temporary month-to-month secretary at a local community college by Jenny, a tall, gracious, and very efficient educational support specialist. Since it was a humid summer and our building had no air conditioning, all the windows were left open and fans blew everywhere. Sometimes papers flew all over the place, but we lived with it since closing the windows wasn’t a viable option. We were also allowed to wear shorts. My bare legs often glued themselves to my chair until I remembered to bring a towel from home.
Jenny told me later that she had hired me because I reminded her of her younger, free spirited days. Though I was well organized and able to handle any and all work assignments, I had a carefree attitude. After all, how serious did I have to be in a temporary month-to-month position? I had been there all of three days when Jenny called me into her office. She told me that my behavior was upsetting Margaret, the department head, and that she had been told to speak to me.
“What’s the matter?” I asked in surprise.
“You’ve been ‘flaunting your breaks,’” Jenny said solemnly.
“Flaunting my breaks? What does that mean?”
“You’ve been seen sitting in the sun on the back porch, reading a book, eating, and drinking on your break,” Jenny responded.
I looked at Jenny with amused astonishment. I was ready to laugh with her, but she remained poker faced. We stood in awkward silence for several seconds before I finally blurted out,
“That’s a problem? I have the kind of metabolism in which I need to eat often or my energy level drops. Food’s a necessity. Besides, it’s important for me to take a break.”
“It’s OK to eat, just don’t do it so visibly. Don’t sit on the back porch where Margaret and the others can see you,” Jenny replied.
“But where can I eat? I have to get away from my desk, and there’s no lunch room here,” I answered in frustration.
“It’s OK to come into my office and eat there. Hopefully, Margaret won’t walk in while you’re on break,” said my accommodating supervisor.
I wondered how that would work since Jenny and Margaret’s offices were right next door to each other. I decided I had better firmly pray for assistance. I said,
“Dear God, please have your angels guard the door and keep Margaret and the others away while I’m snacking in Jenny’s office. Make sure I am safe. I appreciate Your help on this!”
I then surrendered the situation and trusted that all would be well. I am happy to say that Spirit honored my prayer. From then on, I took my cheese, crackers, and orange juice and stuffed them into a large manila envelope. After that, I jauntily walked down the hall past Margaret’s door to Jenny’s office where I ate, drank, relaxed, and chatted briefly with Jenny. Then I joyfully returned to my desk.
Though I was one of the few who took a morning break, I chose not to feel guilty about it. Though some of my envious co-workers probably thought that they could accomplish more without a break, I knew better. In the past, whenever I was tired, stressed out, or hungry and did not take a break, I made many needless mistakes that cost precious time and money. Yet, when I took a daily “mini vacation,” I was able to stay more focused, happy, and productive on the job.
I encourage all people with “In” trays filled to overflowing, oppressive deadlines, tension headaches, vacant eyes, and roaring stomachs to bravely walk away from your desks with your head held high and gloriously “Flaunt your Breaks!” Then take ten to fifteen minutes to eat an apple, drink some juice, read an amusing book, or imagine yourself lying contentedly on a tropical beach. If you’re with friends, dare to say something great about a co-worker and celebrate yourselves! Perhaps then we’ll start a worldwide epidemic of “Flaunting Our Breaks!” and create a healthier, happier, and more prosperous world.
