I recently read a new book, “Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time,” by Brigid Schulte, as part of a UPenn book group. That feeling of “overwhelm” can be felt and is true at so many life stages. You may be an undergrad making your way through a challenging summer of research or internship, a graduate student focusing on your thesis or dissertation, a recent grad striving to make a great start to your career, or like me an experienced professional trying to find balance – at every stage, there is just so much to accomplish, and the to-do list is NEVER done! And if you’re feeling that way too, trust that you’re not alone!
One particular quote from the book stood out to me – that “doing good work, having quality time for family and meaningful relationships, and the space to refresh the soul is about having a good life” (emphasis is mine).
So, in that spirit, regardless of your age or stage – have you observed the colors of the sky? Noticed a breeze across your face that swept away the summer heat? Watched a thunderstorm roll in? Taken a deep breath? Reached out to a friend or loved one for a conversation, short or long? Made time to do something you really love to do…to “play”?
You may not have the chance to do all this today, but I urge you to consider – what does your “Good Life” look like? May you have the good fortune to set aside a little time today to create it!
