Caramel Contemplation

Let me just start off by saying that I recognize how young I am and would never claim to know it all. I may be insightful or even just a bit more intuitive than the average person but wise? I am mos def not there yet in life! With that being said, through my few years of life here on our lovely planet I have had the chance to observe people, to gain practical life experience and to ultimately learn a lesson or two along the way. 

I've always tried to push myself beyond my limits, to prove that I can do better, that I can work faster and ultimately get the job done in the best way possible. Due to the fact that work is one of the only areas within my life that I have control over, I tend to put my all into it and get the job done at all costs, sacrificing friends, family and sleep in the process. Although I may not be as bad as other people, it has taken me a while to come to the realization that without balance, life pretty much sucks (and not in the good way either!). Having been in a relationship with someone I can confidently call a workaholic, I was rudely awoken to the reality that a job has the powerful potential to suck all of the happiness out of life. But why, you may ask. Well, when one facet of an individual's existence takes more priority than others, equilibrium seems to fly out of the proverbial window. In focusing on creating an amazing career, gaining contacts and expanding your portfolio to new heights, people tend to lose focus of the truly important things in life. Don't get me wrong, building your career is one of the most important things you could ever do in life. But what about family, connections, LOVE? Are print-outs, emails and colleagues really more important than the people who helped groom you, offered you support along the way and urged you on the very path that causes you to neglect them? Surely that can't be the case. When tired eyes, lack of communication and an urge to take your work frustrations out on those who are closest to you cause a gaping hole in the canvas of your life, is there anything that can bring perspective back to your world? Why yes, there is! It comes in the form of a realization that your job will NEVER love you back. It may fund your expensive pillow-top bed but it won't keep you warm at night. It may distract you from your problems but it will never make them go away. It may bring you satisfaction but can it really make you happy?!

Life isn't about the perfect job, an awesome salary or an incredible career. Life should be about joy, laughter, that tingly feeling you get right before you sneeze, the smell of freshly-cut grass, the sound of birds singing sweetly at the break of dawn, the warmth that radiates throughout your body at the thought of being loved. It should be about creating happiness, counting blessings and doing things that truly bring you satisfaction, even right down to the very depths of your spirit. So find time to do the things that bring you joy. Surround yourself with people that inspire you to greatness. Sing off-key in the shower at the top of your lungs. Let someone know you love them. Work hard but always remember, your job will never, ever love you back.