work-life balance
Our Priorities Are The Moral Of The Story
I have always loved thought-provoking stories. One of my favorites I heard when I was only seven years old. It’s profound wisdom has stayed with me all my life. It goes like this:
An old lady of about 85 years of age lived alone in an old, dilapidated log cabin in the woods. Due to her advanced age, daily life was a struggle, but this feisty woman knew she had to keep going to survive.
One day, while out gathering wood for a fire, she was approached by a mysterious wizard.
“Good morning,” said the wizard. “I have great news for you. Today is your lucky day! ” He then explained that he was the Wizard of the Forest, and that he would grant her any wish her heart desired.
The old lady paused to consider this generous offer. But before she could make up her mind, the wizard interrupted her thoughts. “I could turn all the wood you have into solid gold. Imagine how rich you would be!” he suggested.
“Oh, what good would that do?” replied the old woman. “I could hardly carry it back to my hut, for the gold would be much heavier than the wood!
“Well, then perhaps I could turn all the water in your house into wine,” said the wizard with great enthusiasm.
Mindful Connection In The Age Of Clocks And Screens
These days, we keep one eye on the clock and the other on our phone screen. It is stressful to always be on the go and in the know. Too often there is no time to relax and really enjoy the moment.
We have clearly lost sight of the things that really matter in life. We have become slaves to the clock.
These days we hardly notice or appreciate our friends and family. We are either preoccupied with our social media news feed or in such a hurry to get to our next destination. How often do we give a meaningful hug to those we love? We see more value in getting somewhere fast or getting something else done.
Can you remember the last time you gave a loved one a really good “squeeze”? Seriously! I mean a real, unhurried, sincere, meaningful hug? Have you ever received such a hug? Do you know what it feels like to get a real hug? It’s quite healing, affirming, and refreshing. What is that feeling? It’s love! And that is the true meaning of life, to give and receive love.
With the rise of digital technology and our increasing obsession with screen time and addiction to social media, many of us are not used to connecting in a personal, warm way. Some of us are not even capable of having a meaningful conversation these days. Ever since smartphones came on the scene, you see people everywhere with their heads down. If only they were busy praying! No, they are texting while their lunch partner is doing the same!
Transform Your Chores Into Moments Of Zen
I recently had to find my “inner zen” when I had to file my taxes in person. Even though I was really, really not in the mood and not looking forward to it at all, I decided to make the most of this dreaded chore by practicing a time-tested spiritual technique of just being present in the moment. This attitude made my day so much easier and more fulfilling.
As I waited in line at the tax office, I couldn’t help but overhear a less than happy man ranting in one of the booths. I felt bad because, well, we are all human and this is about paying taxes, for goodness sake! We can hardly blame others for reacting this way. I mean, who really enjoys doing their taxes?
But I think it’s better to stay calm and carry on, because in the end everything will be fine. Having a “panic attack” or “hissy fit” like the guy in that booth won’t change the situation, except to make it worse. I know from experience that keeping an inner calm always wins the day.
If you have to deal with a chore or task that you are not looking forward to, try to embrace it and immerse yourself in the experience rather than making it worse by creating a lot of resistance around it. There is a lot of ancient wisdom in “being present in the now.” It is no accident that this concept is rooted in various spiritual traditions and teachings throughout history, as it points to a universal truth that is essential for spiritual living and personal well-being.
My Healing Journey From Trauma To Spiritual Calling
Many years ago, a seemingly random accident changed the course of my life forever. As I traveled the country speaking to various corporate audiences in different cities, one fateful event brought about a profound change.
On that pivotal night, a woman arrived late for my presentation. While everyone was watching an introductory video, I asked her if she had filled out a raffle ballot. When I learned that she hadn’t, I offered to get it for her from the entrance to the hall.
Reaching the hallway doors meant walking between an audio speaker and the first table of guests. As I walked toward the exit doors, signaling to some in the audience that I would return shortly, I had no idea of the terrible events that were about to unfold.
Commercial audio speakers usually have a three-legged base, similar to a camera tripod, to keep the legs out of sight. But at this venue, the speakers had a different, wider type of base, with chrome spokes extending horizontally just above the floor, which the well-meaning organizers had hidden under black fabric. On my way to the doors, I tripped over one of those hidden metal bars!
The impact was severe – I dislocated my shoulder, breaking the bone into four pieces, shattered my knee, and my foot, caught in the fabric, twisted upside down over the bar. The resulting whiplash jammed my head to the left and slightly upward, immobilizing my entire left side.
The Truth About Being “Too Busy”
It is good to be busy. But some people are always too busy. Too busy to do the things that really matter. Too busy to go where we really want to go. Too busy to make a difference. Too busy to love. Too busy.
I admit that I am one of those people who, when asked how I am doing, often gives the standard one-word answer: “Busy.” Some people who like their jobs and choose to work a lot are called workaholics. I have been called a workaholic by friends and family. My response is always that I am grateful to still be able to do what I love.
Yes, some of us like to be busy. We like to be doing something all the time. For me, being busy gives me a sense of self-worth and security. When a task is completed, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Being busy is also a way to thrive. Some people do their best work when they are very busy and under pressure. We are indeed blessed when we have a job that we truly love to do. But that does not mean we never need a day off without feeling guilty?
The pandemic has been a challenge for us busy people. How do you stay busy when you cannot leave the house? One thing it did for me was give me “permission” to take an online art class without feeling guilty. Also, friends and family have given me more puzzles than one could ever have in a lifetime. In the past, I would have felt guilty about doing these things for pleasure instead of work.
Navigate Your Career Change With Inner Guidance
When a new year dawns we tend to take stock of our lives and consider making some changes, such as in our field of work or our current position. Some people even consider starting a business.
It is common to consider a career change at the start of a new year. A new year makes us aware of the passage of time and is therefore often seen as a time for self-reflection and goal-setting.
But as simple as it may seem at first, changing careers can be a daunting process, especially if you hope to achieve the best possible outcome. It requires careful planning, research and preparation, but with the right mindset and approach, it can be a very rewarding and fulfilling endeavor.
Changing careers is inherently uncertain. It involves leaving the familiar for the unknown, and this can be challenging and scary. However, our personal and spiritual growth tends to thrive in uncertainty. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar. Rather than seeing uncertainty as a barrier, consider it an opportunity for personal expansion, self-discovery, and soul evolution.
If you are considering a career change, one of the wisest things you can do is to ask spirit for guidance and support and to follow your inner guidance. Spirit will guide you through the ambiguity and help you make the right decisions along the way. Navigating a career change can be daunting, but tapping into your spiritual inner guidance system will provide more of the clarity and direction you need.
Get Ready For A New Year Of Boundless Joy!
As we stand on the precipice of a new year of endless possibilities and limitless potential, I invite you to join me on a journey of self-actualization, spiritual enlightenment, and unwavering hope and optimism in 2024.
This year, let us embrace the transformative power of positive thinking, the resilience of the human spirit, and the boundless divine wisdom that lies within each of us. Let us throw off the shackles of self-doubt and negativity and embrace the extraordinary potential that lies within our souls.
Most importantly, let us strive this year to stay in our joy as much and as often as possible. For true joy and inner peace come into our hearts only when we invite them into our consciousness. Happiness does not just come, we must choose to seek it.
As we embark on a new year full of promise, let us also remember that we are part of a network of interconnected beings, each with a unique purpose and a vital role to play in the grand tapestry of life. Let us foster compassion, empathy and understanding and create a world where love and kindness prevail. Let us be kind, compassionate and generous, spreading love and light wherever we go.