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I was sitting in my upstairs “reading room” this morning, perusing the March issue of O magazine, when Martha Beck’s article caught my eye. (My moments of quiet solace are few and far between these days, or I might be reading a more current issue.) I always enjoy her writing, and this article, called Five (New) Best Pieces of Advice, was especially good. My favorite parts:
This is what I mean by “we should all work like dogs”: We should do what comes most naturally, reflexively, effortlessly.
and
Use the work-like-a-dog principle to make your career and time-budgeting decisions. Should you go back to school? Only if it makes you salivate with desire. Should you stay home with your children? Yes—if the thought makes you feel as though someone’s rubbing your tummy. Would you rather have a job? Don’t apologize, just go ahead and work. Like a dog.
And so, in the preciously short minutes I was alone in the quiet, I reflected on what I love to do. Not what I love (because I’ve already done that and because I try not to focus on the things in my life) but what I really love to spend my time doing.
(Being a stay-at-home-mom was the first thing I thought of, but if you’ve been reading a while, you know that isn’t going to happen.)
The next thing I thought of? The thing that comes most naturally, reflexively, effortlessly to me? Spending my time with my itty bitty family.
On Saturday, the three of us spent the day in Philadelphia, traveling around and being tourists. We could have been in Podunk, Anywhere for all I cared. We were hanging out together, enjoying each other, and having fun. That’s my work, for sure.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I love that excerpt! I might have to see if I can still track down the March issue, just so I can cut it out and hang it somewhere to inspire myself. Or my students… Glad you had a fun sightseeing trip!
I love that excerpt! I might have to see if I can still track down the March issue, just so I can cut it out and hang it somewhere to inspire myself. Or my students… Glad you had a fun sightseeing trip!
I think too often we think of “work” as a negative. But there are so many things that we all do that is “work,” but that we enjoy doing. I always say, Work the way you love, and you’ll love the work you do!
Great pic, too! Y’all look so happy!
I think too often we think of “work” as a negative. But there are so many things that we all do that is “work,” but that we enjoy doing. I always say, Work the way you love, and you’ll love the work you do!Great pic, too! Y’all look so happy!