Been on the other side of that bargain, so I love that you recognise this:
"it’s a means of provision, a labor of sacrifice. It’s an example of our interdependence rather than a testament to our individual autonomy."
With the baby grown up and left home and my wife's untimely death, I'm having real trouble knowing why I go to work any more... The "labour of sacrifice" was the only worthwhile reason to do it.
Oh my goodness Jestyn, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Purpose is such tricky business, as is grief, and grappling with both sounds nearly impossible. You are brave for asking the question. One of the hardest things we can do in life, I find, is to ask, "Why the hell am I doing what I'm doing?" I wonder if Tim Keller's "Every Good Endeavor" may be a relevant text. My husband often turns to "Mastery" by George Leonard when he needs inspiration about purpose and achievement. Or, if you're really feeling the call to de-emphasize achievement, and re-emphasize purpose, I have listened to this podcast by Elizabeth Gilbert (and read her book "Big Magic") more times than I can count. Please stay in touch and let me know how you're doing.
Been on the other side of that bargain, so I love that you recognise this:
"it’s a means of provision, a labor of sacrifice. It’s an example of our interdependence rather than a testament to our individual autonomy."
With the baby grown up and left home and my wife's untimely death, I'm having real trouble knowing why I go to work any more... The "labour of sacrifice" was the only worthwhile reason to do it.
Oh my goodness Jestyn, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Purpose is such tricky business, as is grief, and grappling with both sounds nearly impossible. You are brave for asking the question. One of the hardest things we can do in life, I find, is to ask, "Why the hell am I doing what I'm doing?" I wonder if Tim Keller's "Every Good Endeavor" may be a relevant text. My husband often turns to "Mastery" by George Leonard when he needs inspiration about purpose and achievement. Or, if you're really feeling the call to de-emphasize achievement, and re-emphasize purpose, I have listened to this podcast by Elizabeth Gilbert (and read her book "Big Magic") more times than I can count. Please stay in touch and let me know how you're doing.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ZdvLwc7V7BUntW2GuTKe4
Thanks Ali. I love that podcast - I do think I'm a bit more of a hummingbird than a passion bully! Just have to find a way to tune into that...