Do you take your work to heart?
By Michelene K. Bell

Are you working more than being at home? When was your last vacation? Do those around you suffer? Is the time spent around your career all consuming? Is sleep or lack of an issue? Are you on a fast track and can’t slow down long enough to spend time with family and friends? Do you have a “To Do” list and is it realistic? At the end of the day, do you come home dragging and just wanting to fall into bed or even more disturbing, you bring your work home with you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be considered a, “workaholic”.

We are a nation of workaholics and the question is why? What exactly is our payoff to spending so much time working…especially at jobs that are unsatisfactory. Did you know that 80% of the population is unhappy with their choice of careers?

We are no longer exposing ourselves to things that make us joyful and give us a sense of peace and pride. Security has become “survival”, which equates many hours of punching the clock.

What happened to, smelling the roses or hanging out with family and friends? When did they become a back burner item? When did the exciting adventures, fun and leisure moments become extinct?

Now I know we must work to keep a roof over our heads, gas in the tank and food on the table…not to mention paying bills. After all, “survival” is paramount in more ways than one.

What, however, would happen if we take even a few hours a week just to reconnect with that other side of us…you know, the one that use to have fun or do a hobby? If we would but put ourselves at the top of the list, slowly but surely our lives would change.

So, what are some of the steps we can do to put more balance in our lives? First, we can make a commitment to leave work at work (it will still be there in the morning). Second, make a date night with your spouse or family…they’ll appreciate it. Third, refrain from turning on the computer for a whole 24 hours…you may be surprised how hard that is. No emails, no surfing the net, no computer. Instead, go for a walk or visit the park.

I do believe that when we put ourselves first, even for a little while, on a weekly basis, our lives will become less stressful. Remarkably, we may find more time to enjoy life while making a living…not just getting by. We weren’t meant to be so caught up in work that we forgot how to live. If we are waiting for the money before we do that “something” for ourselves…I ask you, how long have you been working for that moment? When will it arrive?

Step up; reward yourself first, trust in Spirit and watch in wonder as the doorway to all our dreams opens before us. It isn’t too late to balance our lives. Happy Spring, happy renewal & happy Easter.

Many blessings my friends,

Michelene

Michelene is the founder and publisher of In Light Times, a 22 year young endeavor. She is a freelance writer and editor who loves to have fun, enjoys great food, movies, traveling and good friends. Visit: www.InLightimes.com .