Work, Life.

There are hundreds of articles, talks, and even websites dedicated to helping people achieve a perfect balance in their life. But what if we’ve taken this idea too far? What if this balancing act we’ve all gravitated towards is doing more harm than good?

We’re supposed to achieve a balance.

Or so they say.

But. You lose a friend. You get sick.

You go through a break-up.

Those things.

Balance goes out the window.

Okay, maybe I’m missing the point.

The idea that we resist the urge to check our work mail at home.

The idea that we leave personal problems out of the workplace.

The idea that we make time for fun.

They’re good ideas. They sound great on paper.

It works for some people.

Right.

I love compartments.

I’ve spent hours organizing my home screen.

Hours going through photos.

You know what else I’ve spent hours doing?

Stressing about work projects over dinner.

Staring at my desk trying not to cry. And not because I forgot to bring lunch.

Again.

This idea that we can compartmentalize perfectly.

It’s not human.

It’s not healthy.

“Oh no, I screwed up again. ”

It’s paralyzing.

Wait.

Don’t bring work into bed.

Don’t bring laundry into work.

There’s a time and place for everything.

But to pretend like things never cross.

Lines never blur.

It’s not human.

It’s not healthy.

We’re supposed to be passionate about our work.

Passion inherently involves our entire being.

It can’t be separated.

Completely.

For better or for worse.

We’re all artists of our own trade.

So.

The next time you go through a rough patch.

Or the next time you have a stressful deadline.

Just remember.

Work. Life.

It happens.

There’s more to be said here.

I think you get the point.

But also.

You got this.