Are you working too hard?

© olly

I've written a lot about the importance of feeding your brain every day as well as your body. Well, Sheila got me in the habit of reading something other than photographic magazines and email all day every day. It makes a huge difference in how I approach everything I have to do. 

Melody Beattie hits a home run for me just about every time I pick up one of her books. However, now and then she makes a point I want to share because it fits so well with many of you who I've met.  

I recently had a photographer tell me, with great pride, that she hadn't had a real vacation in two years. She was totally focused on being a great artist and just didn't feel there were enough hours in the day to accomplish everything she wanted. She was also feeling the pressure of wanting to be a great spouse and someday a mother. 

I understand her obsession and so do most of you. We're all working incredibly hard, and it's easy to lose site of the priorities of what's really important. Well, Melody Beattie hit home this morning and a reminder that no matter what we do, we can't force life - we have just to let it happen.

If you've got an interest in reading more from Melody, just click on her book above. In the meantime, I'm wishing everybody a terrific Friday and a great weekend coming up. Take the time to think about what she's saying and then look for ways you can relax a little and reassess your priorities. 

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Have You Been Working Too Hard?

Have you been working too hard at your job, at life, at your spiritual progress? Have you been working too hard on your relationships with people, on trying to gain insights or on trying to figure out where to go or what to do next?

Many of us have had to work hard. To get from where we were to where we are, we had to push, force, put one foot in front of the other. At least we thought we did. But life doesn't have to be that hard. Not anymore. The biggest task, the smallest task, the task of living our lives doesn't have to be that difficult.

There's a natural rhythm for everything that happens along the way. There's a natural rhythm and order for all we're to do. Yes, there are times to begin. Yes, there are times to put one foot in front of the other and go forward. But the joy, the service, the way of life we're seeking doesn't come from force. It comes naturally, easily, much more easily than you think. Stop pushing so hard, and see how quickly that rhythm finds you.

You don't have to make life happen. In fact, you can't. Relax. Let go. And let it happen.