Hello everyone. First, happy first day of summer!! Second, thanks so much for the response to my post last week. I'm so glad to hear that it resonated with people and that, in general, people are having fun with this column.
Since I don't have time lately to think one step ahead (the downside to always being in the present?), I'm also in the awkward position of announcing as a follow-up that, in fact, today will be my last post for a while--for the summer--although I promise this is not some decision resulting from my priority analysis (which, I assure you, I haven't even begun to begin). I'm a little reluctant to do this, in fact, both because I know a lot of you enjoy these posts, and because I also realize I've gotten to a point where I'm really enjoying it too: it's always a bit of a revelatory process to come up with each tip, even if, as I confessed last week, I haven't actually implemented them all; and second, they get me to to step outside of myself and the daily grind, which is such a tremendous thing. As a friend recently told me, echoing my husband's refrain over the past decade and a half, maybe what I really need to achieve a steady state of bliss is a hobby.
Anyway, my last tip, then, as we break for summer (in addition to finding a hobby, so consider this a twofer), is really really simple and I've been saving it for the right moment: BREATHE--and count your blessings while you do so. We can't do everything, we can't succeed at everything, at the same time; the best we can do is make choices about how we want to allocate our time and proceed consciously in that direction. (See this fantastic article for more on that: http://m.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-women-still-can-8217-t-have-it-all/9020/1/?single_page=true). Breathing deeply, and reminding yourself of what you have in your life to celebrate, is a great way to get back to the consciousness and centeredness that will enable you to proceed effectively and contentedly down your chosen path. Failing that, it will at least give you a temporary high--or a short nap. (Seriously, try taking ten deep breaths right now and see where that leaves you!)
See you on the other side of summer. I'll be posting here and there, I expect, but W/L Balance Wednesdays will continue only with your outreach: please keep it going with a thought or comment or article or book review relevant to the work/life juggle. We'll all appreciate it.
Have a great one.
All best,
Amarah
PSP Work/Life Initiative
