Monday’s can feel like they are a week-long sometimes. I was reflecting with a friend tonight about how Monday’s are so difficult to live through. One challenge of Monday is that the weekend’s a tease of the good life. Staying up late Friday, sleeping in Saturday, making pancakes for breakfast are the best way to kick off the mini two-day vacation. Those two experiences are a warm up for the grand finally of Sunday. My favorite activities for Sunday can include worship, family dinner, football and the best part is the cozy daytime nap. All things that you can’t do during the week.
Is there is a connection between how difficult Monday’s are and the awesomeness of the weekend?
After most weekends my answer is yes. The key to this is to protect your weekends and work like hell to get all the errands and chores done during the week. This is challenging if your like most of us workaholics who are not satisfied until we have worked 12 hours everyday. Then spend another 3-4 hours reading and writing in the evening. Working hard and playing harder simply leads to exhaustion. Press the stop button find your balance.
In the spirit of the Mindful Monday’s on the temenos circle, balance is the key ingredient. In my blog post Another day, another dollar, I shared my favorite quote, “Work to live, not live your work.” This for sure does not mean skip working hard or lower your commitment to success. My friend and I decided tonight, it could be as simple as actually leaving work on time each day and spend your evenings with your families or completing weekend chores protecting those days to play. This commitment to giving yourself the permission to set limits, enjoy your life and not feel guilty.
The last reflection of the evening is to love your work. When you love your vocation, it can seem like play. Some of the worst jobs I have had in my life were those I did not love. I hated getting up everyday and watched the clock anticipating going home. It was miserable leading to the personal commitment to only do that of which I love.
All sounds easy right? Not so much.
My friend and I committed tonight that achieving balance requires a balance buddy. This buddy is someone who helps you carry out the day and locks the office and helps push you out the door.
Who is your balance buddy in your life?
TEMENOS CIRCLE 