Dear WIG.ng!!!
I have always thought it was important to have a wholesome life, a life that is complete, beyond, work, family and faith. A life where if any of these three very vital aspects were removed or separated, you could still function.
Not taking for granted that these aspects are most vital for one’s daily life and maybe survival, it is however essential to introduce other forms of excitement into one's life to seemingly create a balance for wholesome living.
To put this in perspective, if you were forced to go on vacation from work, if your family travelled far without you, and you could not also visit a church or mosque, what would you do with your time or yourself? Do you have any hobbies? Have you developed other skills and tried to hone the same? One which will keep your adrenalin smiling and your mind at a relaxed but engaged state.
I discovered early when I started to work, that it was necessary to compartmentalise my life, to create a wholesome one. I realised that I dedicated most of my time at work. When I was not at home, I was at work. Not that I didn’t have friends or other things to do with my time, but I found so much joy in my work that I was willing to sacrifice other aspects of my life, just to fill and feel that joy. There was a certain year in the country that we got a generous amount of work-free (holiday days) and I found myself extremely bored, because ‘my joy’ which I had created had been taken away from me. This made me think rather deeply about my work ethics and any existing life outside work. To have a decent work and life balance, that even if my work was taken away, I would still find joy and purpose in my life. Firstly, I began to identify certain skills and hobbies so as to discover useful ways to engage in these activities outside of work.
I decided to intentionally build a life outside work, one which would be my filler, to create new, widespread love, bedside that which I will be forced to break up with after either being there for 35 years or when I hit the 60year mark. I began the search for things I enjoyed, things I wanted to try and things I loved to do. To be honest, it wasn’t that difficult, not because I am that much of an adventurous spirit, but because some of these things were already lurking around…maybe waiting to be found. I tried my hands at a few things; lawn tennis, running, pottery, local and international travel, reading, sight-seeing boot-camp classes, yoga, philanthropy, volunteering, hiking, gardening, writing, watching documentaries, attending social events (poetry) and much more. While some of it didn’t stick so much, some have become my regular go-to hobbies, which have now filled my life with more joy. These activities not only help me relax and create a network and a separate life from work, but they keep me alive, freshen my thoughts and invigorate my drive and commitment to life. It creates a newfound excitement to life and gives me some energy for adventure I probably never envisioned.
While a large number of people may never see the importance of having a life outside work, believe me it is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Step away from the routine, from the regular and come back refreshed to give your very best to yourself, family and society simply by trying something new.
Try something new today!
Nwatam
Founder.