Mid-week Inspiration,

The message has come through to me again and again this week: “Love Your Work!”
So often I have witnessed people and even found myself, forgetting to fully appreciate the work we do.  It has become a job.  We find ourselves saying "I have to go to work now", meaning "I really don’t want to".  When we start wishing for what we ‘don’t have’, instead of being present and bringing goodness through our work to our world, we create suffering.  In other words; when our attention is in conflict with our intention we create mental friction. Over an extended period of time this leads to disease and even death.

For many of us the inspiration for work dies in exactly the same way our sense of self worth dies.  It ends because we forget our higher purpose; that inner vision to make a difference in the world.  Sadly, for some people that vision died before they ever had their first job.  They actually thought the purpose of work was to get; to get money and to get all the things, the stuff, that money can provide.  In truth the high purpose of work is to give, to give of ourselves for a higher vision. 

Through the ages we have witnessed again and again the deep passion of people who gave of themselves to bring forth a higher vision of good in this world.  Inventors, statesmen, stewards, builders, artists and so many more created a place for their name in history not because of what they got from their work but rather from what they gave.  These people; and the list is endless, consistently lived a life of joy whether in the midst of challenge or ease.    

Joy! 

They loved to get up in the morning; they had a passion for what they gave each day.  Whether or not they brought in fistfuls of wealth, and many of them did, the hallmark of their existence was joy.  These people did not curse their days with “I have to…”, they blessed each day with the joy of celebration. 
Are you blessing your life with the celebration of “I get to… today”?  Are you bringing more life into your work; more joy, more enthusiasm and harmony?  If you aren’t then it is time right now to change your work, or… change your attitude.  There is joy to be found in any job, always.  It is your choice whether you will see it.

Many of us have such a deeply ingrained pattern of suffering, guilt and anger that to find joy will take much searching.  It will possibly take professional help.  That’s OK; there are many professionals available; wellness councilors, psychologists, therapists, spiritual councilors and ministers to name a few.  They all do what they do ultimately because of the joy they receive in seeing people find new meaning in their lives.  They are there and available and they are definitely worth every dollar you spend if they bring greater fulfillment into your life.

To live a joy filled life is to live a spiritual life.  It may not always be happiness, yet no matter the challenges and adversity; there is a deep sense of fullness and peace in the life with a higher purpose.
May your life find joy, may you discover your higher purpose in the work you are doing today.

Blessings,