We play this game sometimes in the car. We look at people walking, driving, waiting for a bus and I ask my children “do they seem happy?” When you have children you want many things for them- it is a long list with specifics and ambitions- but really it all comes down to one simple notion. We want them to be happy.
Children all start off happy. They arrive simple and beautiful. They have basic needs but they are resilient and extremely strong. Slowly and methodically the world around them adds and subtracts from who they can be.
When we are together and we see people hating their work, dying to get to lunch break, Friday, the holiday or retirement, I always say ” don’t make this your life. You can do anything and you owe it to yourself to do something that really excites you. Something that makes you jump out of bed every morning. It does not mean there won’t be very difficult days, really hard work and tedious stuff- but we are what we frequently do and if we are not loving it, we become less than who we could be”
This is my younger brother’s Christmas card from his company. All grown up, working hard and having fun. I love to see the 8 year old is alive and well in him. I think it will warm your heart. My wish for everyone I care about now and all year is that you do what you love and love what you do.
alice- yes there is so much tedium! but spotted with passion- lovely!good for you Alice!
Jen ! It is clear with you that you love what you do! I am always so happy to be around people like you. Inspiring! Glad you liked the vid too.
keep up the great love of work!
totally agree with the sentiment – I do what I am passionate about, too.
I will say, though, that sometimes the day-to-day stuff of behind-the-scenes and the at-home stuff all coming together can drag you down.
This is a great reminder to remember how lucky it is to do something that you fundamentally love, even if you occasionally lose sight of it in the paperwork…
“you owe it to yourself to do something that really excites you”. LOVE THIS. It is so very true, Nancy. I have found so much of myself through the creation of UrbanMoms! It is not that there aren’t tough days but overall my work excites me. I feel inspired by the people I meet and the things I get to do. I spend so much time doing it that it resonates in other areas of my life.
What a fabulous message to give your kids! Let them define what happiness looks like to them for themselves.
Great video of your little bro! I love to see organizations that have a sense of humour and fun in the workplace. But I especially love the fact that with all of this they are doing important work to support their community.
Thanks for sharing!