Find What Brings You Joy and Do It
“You will never feel truly satisfied by work until you are satisfied by life.” – Heather Schuck
I often find myself speaking to many parents and students about how to gain a balance in their lives. I’m probably one of those people that could often be accused of saying one thing and doing another when it comes to work-life balance. We all have vastly different views on what it takes to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I don’t even agree with the “balance” term itself when it comes to overall wellbeing. I prefer to talk about work-life satisfaction.
Call it work-life balance, work-life satisfaction, or simply life, but balancing responsibilities at all ages can be extremely stressful in a society which never seems to put the handbrake on. With mobile phones and devices connected 24/7, it is harder than ever to totally switch off from work or school.
Recently, I attended the National Presbyterian Schools Conference held at John McGlashan College in Dunedin. I was enlightened by a sermon delivered by the school’s chaplain when he spoke about the senior leader going fishing and how everyone at the college was better off when he took time out to follow his passion. The point the chaplain kept emphasising was that by taking the time to follow our interests, passions and in this case, a ‘secret fishing spot,’ it ensures that we can truly relax, unwind and become more satisfied, productive and happier overall.
The question I keep asking myself is, “What are my passions? What are the interests, hobbies and special activities that I enjoy where I can truly switch off?” The answer for me is family walks, catching up with friends, travelling and paua diving at my ‘secret’ spot. Only during these special times can I truly find my work-life satisfaction.
How do you achieve this? Do you achieve this? This inner satisfaction, peace or whatever you personally term the phrase is vitally important to maintain a healthy mind and body. Below, taken from an excerpt from the website, intothesoul.com outlines seven possible ways to find that inner satisfaction as our lives become more and more chaotic.
1. Look at the Bigger Picture
When we focus on little problems, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters. Remember to step back and take everything in from time to time.
2. Stick to Your Hobbies
Practice hobbies. It can be anything. The important aspect is to like it. When you do something that brings you joy, you’re living the moment, not worrying about the future.
3. Reconnect With Nature
We don’t spend enough time in nature anymore. Instead of watching TV, take a walk in the park and just take in the landscape.
4. Meditate
Time and time again, people underestimate the power of meditation. Take a few minutes every day to do nothing but clear your mind.
5. Make the Best of What You’ve Got
Some things are just out of our control, but that’s not the end of the world. Take the bad with the good and do the best you can. Remember, you don’t have to succeed at everything to find inner peace.
6. Face Your Fears
Our fears are sometimes the only thing that’s keeping us back. Don’t let insecurities dictate your life.
7. Help Others
Don’t forget that the people around you are facing problems, too. They’re trying to find inner peace themselves. Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is to help those around us. The people around us are our biggest source of comfort and stability. Make them happy and you will be happy yourself.
If you would like to share the way you find that inner satisfaction, I would love to hear from you, especially if you’re willing to share your ‘secret diving spot!’
“When you do something that brings you joy, you’re living the moment, not worrying about the future.”