Update

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 Once upon a time , someone asked me if I would be happy working a job that was not at the university. Since my position at the university closed in 2020, I found myself doing exactly that— working in jobs not at the university. It has been a very difficult transition.  Recently, things shifted quickly and in unexpected ways. The short version is that I am leaving the hotel which I am currently working, having taken a position at another.  The longer version of the story is that I stopped by to see my good friend and former GM at his new hotel. While I was visiting with him, one of the owners came out and introduced himself and we got to talking. After a few minutes, he said he wanted me to meet his brother. Our conversation turned into a job interview and 48 hours later I accepted a new position as front desk, manager and assistant operations manager. After some negotiating, we reached an agreement and I start my new position on April 9. It’s a much nicer hotel and these...

Why So Busy?

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"For love of bustle is not industry – it is only the restlessness of a hunted mind." 
(Seneca, Letter 3)

I'll be the first to admit that it's difficult to relax. I often feel like I need to be doing something all the time--but what does all that busy-ness reveal? It only shows I am "driven" not "driving." Ponder that for a second.

Seneca's simple instruction makes me realize how much stress I create for myself by keeping busy. What do I accomplish by wearing myself out? Even bread after all that kneading need to rest in order to grow, to produce. Even God rested after creation and we are far from anything divine.

When one inventories all that is on the mind, two categories become clear: what am I able to control (responsible for) and what I am NOT able to control. Once this distinction is made then half of what haunts the mind dissipates. One realizes that the other half does not have the urgency it seems, so that can be released as well.

Give yourself a break. There's no need to create conflict when there is none. You are not being hunted, so don't allow your mind to run as if you were. No need to create turbulence or difficult circumstances for yourself or for anyone else.


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