Giving Thanks for this Journey

Thanksgiving, that most American of traditions, is a wonderful time for taking stock of where we are in life and appreciating the things that are a part of our lives. Among many things, this includes cherished relationships, a roof over our heads, and the opportunity to pursue our dreams. This Thanksgiving, I am keenly aware of the privilege that I have been afforded in being able to pursue work-life balance. Even as the US economy is doing better than most others around the world, I am quite aware that there are many…far too many…in our society for whom the pursuit of work-life balance is not an option. There are many for whom “life” in work-life balance can only be experienced in brief moments, a few times out of the year. Numerous members of our society have to work two to three jobs just to make ends meet. Numerous families miss seeing their children grow up or to catching up with their friends because they find themselves in circumstances in which they have to rush from one gig to another week after week.

It is in this context that I recognize that I am privileged to be able to freely choose to pursue work-life balance. I am able to scale back on how much time I devote to “work” and re-direct that time to “life”, and yet not worry about the implications for my income. For this I am thankful. My work affords me the opportunity to attend WLBalance_1’s and WLBalance_2’s after school activities during the work week. For this I am thankful. My work affords me the opportunity to work from home unless I need to attend meetings or teach a course. For this I am thankful. Many of our fellow members of society simply do not have these privileges. There is nothing special about me, and I have certainly not done anything of particular significance, that I should have this opportunity. I am most thankful that I find myself in a position to embrace it.

As you reflect upon your own journey toward achieving and maintaining work-life balance, for what are you thankful? Please feel free to share in the comments section below. We would love to hear your thoughts.