by Carolyn Dickman
It would be easy to write about resolution and reflection at this time of the year. I hope you all made some time for looking over the past year and learning from what you’ve experienced. I hope you wrote down some resolutions…whether we change or not, it’s a good habit that healthy people cultivate. Just thinking about the things that we’d like to change is a step toward a healthier, happier life.This will be a BIG birthday year for me so I am reflecting even more than usual. I am told that with age comes wisdom . . . I sure hope I’m on the track for that!
Maintaining Balance in Spiritual, Family, and Work Life
I tend to divide my life into three broad categories, spiritual life, family life, and work life. I visualize them as the legs my life sits on and I try to maintain a balance between them so that I stand properly. Sometimes I find myself out of balance and needing to reprioritize. You can’t stand on one leg for very long before getting exhausted and falling over.When making a simple meal of protein and vegetables seems like too much effort, and I find myself leaning toward drive-thru food, I know I’m out of balance somewhere. I can’t make good, healthy decisions. I’m trying to do too much and I’m losing perspective.
Even Good Things Can Throw Life of Balance
For me, it’s usually my work life that I overdo. This isn’t because I have an unreasonable boss or I need to work longer hours; it’s because I love what I do and am excited about my job. I know that I’m lucky to have a job that I love. Not everyone can say that. I know that I am very fortunate to have a happy work-life. At the same time, I can get very unhealthy about my hours. I can over-volunteer and under-play. Even things that we enjoy can throw life out of balance.Keeping Perspective to Maintain Balance
I was thinking of my mom on the way to work. It’s been forty years since she passed on and yet at times I still miss her so very much. When I feel out of balance, I remind myself that when it’s my turn to go on to the next place, the company will be able to hire someone to take up my work in a matter of days. But the family I leave behind would feel my absence for the rest of their lives. That’s a sobering thought that helps me keep perspective so that I can maintain balance in my life.What’s my point? Should we all pack up and go home? Should we become beachcombers? Should we not care about our jobs, careers? No, that’s not my point. I would encourage you to examine how much energy is poured into your job and then ask if your family is getting ‘leftover’ time. Your family deserves much more than that. It’s much easier to get a new job than a new family.
I don’t know about your supervisor or boss, but I know mine appreciates my efforts. I also know she would agree with me. If we manage our work-world efficiently and effectively, there will be plenty of energy for all the important aspects of our life. Work is important and performance matters. They are things that we can take pride in for self-esteem and well-being. But they don’t take the place of family.
No leftovers tonight,
Carolyn
