The Dilbert cartoon (which I check out most days for its insightful commentary on corporate life) helps us see how the cubicle farm can be funny. As a work/life change facilitator and corporate employee, I know working for someone else is the right choice for many people. Or it can be living by default where you let life happen without conscious direction. It may be a temporary stepping stone to what you want to do next. You might already have your own small business and struggle with how to do the marketing that’s needed to take it to the next level. Whatever your situation is, you can take charge and design a lifestyle that gives you more freedom, financial rewards, happiness, and growth. By learning more about yourself and your temperament type, you can make a better decision about what’s best for you.
Month: June 2012
My favorite micro-vacation spot
[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/CYL4G_sallyanne/status/213644011943108608″%5D
I’ve discovered that it makes me happy and helps me maintain balance in my life when I take what I call a “micro-vacation” every day. I spend time out on my deck at sunrise and sunset whenever possible. Being out in nature is calming and healing to me. So, I’ve made my home into my micro-vacation spot each day.
My little writer’s retreat home is on a canal where we get dolphins, manatees (and even alligators occasionally) swimming by. I love that I can see dolphins jumping in my backyard in the morning!
And since it faces west, we get a great view of some awesome Florida sunsets, too!
Recent psychological research says you probably seriously underestimate how important being out in nature is. Being in nature reduces stress, makes you more creative, improves your memory and may even make you a better person.
In one of my favorite daily inspiration books, God Calling
Nature Laughs. I come, I come. You need Me. Live much out here. My sunshine, My glorious air, My Presences, My teaching. Would they not make holiday anywhere for you. Sunshine helps to make glad the heart of man. It is the laughter of Nature. Live much outside. My medicines are sun and air, trust and faith. Trust is the spirit sun, your being enwrapped by the Divine Spirit…Nature is often My nurse for tired souls and weary bodies. Let her have her way with you both.
How do you enjoy spending time in Nature?
What is the Purpose of Life?
Recently, Deepak Chopra gave his video response to that question, which I could over-simplify to be:
Finding happiness from reaching unbounded pure awareness
It comes from the progressive expansion of happiness, fulfillment of one’s desires, expression of one’s unique talents and abilities, nurturing the eco-system, the Universe. Ultimately, to discover who you are, the Self of the Universe.
Watch the video clip:
http://vyou.com/embed/user/widget/response/uid/30288/nid/1680852
What do you think? Where do material success and worldly achievements fit into your picture of life’s purpose?
You can read more about these ideas in Deepak Chopra’s book Spiritual Solutions: Answers to Life’s Greatest Challenges
Is Your Life Interfering with Your Work?
Work/Life Flow
If you’re one of the lucky ones who feels that your work IS your life, then you can probably skip the rest of this post. However, for those of the rest of us who feel that there is some differentiation between work and personal life, here are some tips:
- Consider work/life flow rather than balance. Perhaps a subtle, yet important difference. The two (or more) parts of your life don’t need to balance each other. (I’m a Libra, so I held on to this image of work on one side of the scales and life on the other for many years.) Just as there are ebbs and flows to the ocean, work and life each expand and retract over time. Sometimes, in a project crunch my work can seem to take over my life. Then, I try to flow into some time off so I can relax and rejuvenate
[blackbirdpie url=”http://twitter.com/#!/CYL4G_sallyanne/status/98785219305410560″%5D.
- Make use of other people’s time. If you can think of time as another form of currency, sort of like money, this idea may help. In finance, we’re taught to use OPM (Other People’s Money) when possible to leverage our assets, such as in getting a low-interest mortgage to buy a home that we expect to increase in value. In the same vein, you can call upon other people whose skills and availability can lighten your load, while adding synergy to your work.
- Make your happiness your #1 goal at work. You are important and so your happiness is vital. How much value can you be to anyone else if you’re grumpy, tired, resentful or angry? Being “selfish” in the best possible way can create the time and space for a more satisfying life/work flow.
How do you find the flow in your work and personal life?
Change Your Life for Good - CYL4G 