I am often very tired from working long hours, taking care of my home and taking care of the family. There is always a large amount of stress and lack of time. However, I am extremely happy despite the stress and pressure I endure from my day to day living. This became very obvious to me after reading a recent study in BusinessWeek. The research showed that happiness comes from doing activities and hobbies with meaning, rather then just having fun. This is so true in my life! When I was recently speaking with a mother with three teenage daughters in Greenwich, CT, and she sounded ecstatic despite having little time and lack of sleep, it was because she had a mission and purpose in life. When I see my friend Sheila from Pelham, NY extremely happy after her 50th Birthday, it is because she also has a purpose and meaning in everything she does in life. My friends and colleagues who have passion and a mission in life often work harder, and are more tired as a result. However, these people seem more fulfilled then the rest of us. Senator Kennedy also comes to mind as a person with a mission, who was a hard worker and a representation of happiness. He never lacked energy because all he was doing was getting energy from his mission on a daily basis.
The BusinessWeek study delineates 5 steps to make anyone happier. The steps include:
- Watching less TV
- Doing fewer chores
- Spending less time on the computer
- Finding your passion in life
- Focusing on fewer, yet more meaningful activities
Yesterday, I heard a key message in a New York City news clip which really resonated with me. Although work at time drives us insane, lack of work will make us insane faster. I am thankful to have passion for what I do at LifeWorx and to work with talented child care, elder care and nanny service providers in Westchester, NY, Fairfield, CT and Westport, CT.