Kip’s Comments - January 25, 2024

Abstract Images and Balanced Thoughts

Around mid-afternoon today I hit a psychological wall. Mentally I was done; there would be no more “work” energy spent at the close of my work day. I decided at the appointed hour the computer would be turned off and I was going to go out and enjoy an hour or so of drizzle, fog, and pretty much dark conditions.

Most would not be too excited with my plans… I understand. For me though, I needed to get out. It was time to fill my lungs with cool, moist air as I listened to the sound of dripping rain and melting snow. That we did not have a blue sky day was irrelevant. I had part of a day to soak in nature - literally and figuratively. I needed it and was going to enjoy it.

As I looked for possible images to photograph under the moody conditions, the thoughts of hitting a wall today dominated my thoughts. So often we hear how important it is that we strike a work/life balance to keep ourselves healthy. (I know I have said those words many times.) Then I asked myself “why is “work” before “life?”” Work comes and goes during a lifetime. Life is ours, life is finite, and we make life what it is. Shouldn’t we be striving for a life/work balance? Notice the difference?

None of us will live forever. Yes, it is good to have a job and to be a contributing member of society. But it is also important to have a good life - where you make time for what is important… where you take care of yourself - physically and emotionally. Think about it - what should our priority be - a work/life balance or a life/work balance. They are different. Which should be a priority? I know what my priority was, at least for part of today.

Trees in Fog - Image 864413 (edited)

Pin Oak and White Bark - Image 864387

Red Leaves and White Bark in Fog - Image 864399

Beech Leaves in Fog and Rain - Image 864332 (edited)