work-life balance
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Many years ago, my work took me to the lavishly decorated penthouse of a client who was a retired physician. I remember being in awe of the magnificent collection of books that lined the walls of his home.
“Your book collection is truly amazing,” I remember saying as I entered his beautiful home.
“Well, I worked very hard all my life, and one of my little pleasures outside of work was to buy all the books I felt inspired to read. Unfortunately, because I was always so busy and worked very long hours, I had put off reading most of them. But I constantly reminded myself that one day, when I retire, I would read all these wonderful books,” he said. “Unfortunately, it is too late for that now.”
It was too late…because he had tragically gone blind from an illness.
I will never forget that heartbreaking moment, standing in that lovely room lined with some of the most wonderful works of literature ever published. To this day, it reminds me of the importance of doing the things that bring us joy while we can.
The moral of the story is that although the blind doctor did wonderful things for his patients and the medical profession, he didn’t take much time for his own joy and fulfillment in the present moment.
This is why we need to live our lives in the now! Too often we put off our passions because we think there’s always time. But living fully in the present allows us to appreciate each moment, which fuels joy and fulfillment.
Tarot Forecast November 2024: King Of Pentacles
The card I drew for this month is the King of Pentacles, which predicts a time of stability, abundance, and grounded success. This card is associated with material wealth, financial security, and mastery of the physical realm. It signals that now is the time to use your practical wisdom and focus on tangible results.
Whether we’re building a business, investing in a new opportunity, or seeking a stable foundation, the King of Pentacles reminds us that patience, diligence, and careful planning are the keys to long-term success.
The imagery of the King of Pentacles is rich in symbolism. Sitting on an elaborate throne decorated with carvings of bulls and vines, he is a figure of authority and strength closely associated with the earth element. The grapes and lush greenery surrounding him symbolize fertility, prosperity and the fruits of hard work.
In his hand he holds a golden pentacle coin, representing mastery over the material world and the ability to turn dreams into reality. His robes are embroidered with images of grapes and vines, further reinforcing the themes of abundance and material growth.
The king’s pragmatic energy of self-mastery suggests that this November will not be a time for reckless actions or impulsive decisions. Instead, it’s about making strategic moves with confidence and a long-term perspective.
The symbolism of this card also encourages embracing a provider role – whether in business, family or community – as the King of Pentacles is a generous benefactor and pragmatic leader who shares his wealth and success with others.
Tarot Forecast October 2024: Ten Of Wands
The card this month is the Ten of Wands, which predicts the potential for life’s challenges to feel overwhelming in the weeks ahead, but this will also offer us the opportunity for personal growth through perseverance.
When we push through difficulties, we not only build strength, but also shape our perception of success. It’s important to remember that how we view our challenges often determines whether we see them as victories or defeats.
The burdens that life places on us make us grow and know that we are resilient when things don’t go our way. Knowing that even when we see situations not working in our favor, if we see value and learning in it, we dare to stand up for ourselves and go for it anyway.
This month it may feel like we’re juggling a lot at once, but in these challenges lies the opportunity to gain wisdom and clarity. It may feel heavy, as if we have too many responsibilities or carry an emotional burden that’s hard to release.
The central image depicted on the Ten of Wands cards is a figure burdened by having to carry ten heavy wands, symbolizing an overwhelming load or heavy burden. The figure is struggling under the weight, illustrating the concept of carrying too much responsibility or facing numerous challenges. It emphasizes the physical and emotional strain that can result from over-commitment or excessive obligations.
The figure is also walking along a narrow path or road, suggesting a journey or direction. The path indicates that the stresses are part of a larger journey or goal, implying that the challenges are necessary to achieve something significant.
What To Do When He Is Not Calling You
When someone you like a lot doesn’t call or even ghosts you, it can really sting. The excitement of a new romance can quickly turn into self-doubt and frustration.
This is when patience, trust in the bigger picture, and reclaiming your own power become really important.
Patience isn’t just about waiting; it’s about trusting that everything happens in its own time. When someone doesn’t call, it’s easy to panic and think they’re not interested or that you’ve messed up. But patience helps us trust life’s timing. What’s meant for you won’t slip away.
It’s not about sitting around hoping. It’s about realizing that the universe has a way of making things work, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Trusting that everything happens for a reason helps you let go of the need to control the outcome of your romantic life. You find peace in knowing that what’s meant for you will come to you at the right time.
Trust that everything happens for your highest good. The universe has your back. If someone doesn’t call, maybe they’re right for you. Maybe the timing isn’t right, or there’s someone better just around the corner.
Trusting the universal flow for your highest good helps you let go of the need to control everything and focus on what you can control in life. Controlling how other people behave is not one of them.
Tarot Forecast September 2024: Two Of Cups
The card that came up for this month is the Two of Cups, which carries the symbolism of connection, balance, harmony, mutual affection, and partnership.
In the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, this card depicts a couple standing face to face, each holding a golden cup in one hand. They extend their cups toward each other as if in a toast or exchange, symbolizing a mutual offering of affection, love, support, or a celebration of their shared success. Their gaze is locked, indicating a deep connection and understanding between them.
Above their heads is a caduceus, the ancient symbol of healing, two serpents intertwined, representing their powerful union and the personal and spiritual healing they find with each other. At the top is a winged lion’s head, symbolizing spiritual strength and divine protection in the sacred union of their souls.
The core meaning of this card is the coming together of two individuals. This can be romantic, platonic, or business-related. The emphasis is on mutual respect, harmony, understanding, and a balanced give and take.
The cups also represent emotion. It’s a card of deep emotional intimacy, connection, and a harmonious union based on mutual respect and love. This card often signifies the beginning of a new chapter in a partnership or committed relationship, full of potential and growth.
As we enter this new month, the energy of the Two of Cups will take center stage, guiding us through various aspects of life with themes of harmony, emotional connection and mutual understanding.
The True Meaning Of Being Balanced
Spiritual teachers often emphasize the importance of achieving and maintaining balance as a fundamental aspect of well-being, personal growth, and spiritual development.
But what does it really mean? Is it about having a healthy work-life balance? Is it about a balanced diet or exercise routine? No, these are just some of the smaller elements of achieving true balance.
Balance refers to being holistically balanced in all aspects of our existence: body, mind, and spirit. Achieving and maintaining balance means creating a harmonious and integrated life in which all aspects of our being support each other, leading to overall well-being and a deeper connection with our true self.
We are more than our physical health, appearance and fitness levels. We are more than our thoughts, ideas, and knowledge. And we are more than our spiritual beliefs and practices. We are a wondrous compilation of all these things that make up our body, mind, and spirit. When any part of us is unhealthy or dysfunctional, it disrupts our alignment with our higher self. This is the true meaning of being out of balance.
Striving to be true to your higher self should always be your priority. Your higher self is the real you, the you that exists in harmony with the universe and is an expression of the divine. It is only when we are in alignment with our higher self that the world truly opens up for so much more to flow into our lives…instead of out of them.
Self-Charity Is Your Spiritual Responsibility
Charity truly begins at home. To be truly charitable to others, we must first be kind and generous to ourselves.
Whether we view “charity” as giving alms to the poor, showing kindness to strangers, or extending non-judgment in times of questionable behavior, it is imperative that we first take care of our own needs. Why? Because we cannot freely and easily give to others what we have not given to ourselves.
Our true nature as incarnated spirit beings is to be loving, kind, and giving. However, it is our spiritual duty to take care of ourselves first so that we can offer more to others and make a real difference in the world.
Self-charity, or prioritizing our own needs before helping others, involves several key components.
Self-awareness is critical, requiring regular self-reflection and mindfulness to stay in tune with our mental, emotional, and physical states. Prioritizing self-care through activities such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga is essential.
Mindful time management helps balance work, rest, and play, ensuring we don’t overcommit and have enough downtime to recharge.
Emotional management is essential and includes healthy ways to process and express emotions, such as journaling, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, or engaging in creative activities. Setting boundaries, learning to say no, and protecting our time, energy, and resources help us manage our lives effectively. Seeking support when needed, whether from friends, family, or professionals, ensures that we don’t carry burdens alone.