Posts Tagged work life
South Downs
You know when people ask you why you like to move further out of London and you can tell them that South Downs National Park will soon be on our door step, it makes you feel so much more relaxed.
Then you start thinking about a 10 km (7 mile) drive to Brighton or any sea side town down on the South coast of England. And you think of the summer. And you think of your kids and the weekends away from the big smoke. You think of a life worth living. A work life balance.
Sorry, I got asked that question a lot this week. And, I am so looking forward to our move. Fingers crossed the paperwork goes through alright.
Good intentions – living the life
I want to live, and of course who doesn’t? I have all good intention to prolong my life. I am conscious of my life and my body, my personal and spiritual development, and I am eager to see my kids grow up.
But, on the other hand I enjoy the odd cigar, I like my drink, and of course I enjoy the odd burger or fry up. Hence, whilst reading books about how to beat cancer by eating right, how to prevent diseases by eating correctly, and how to keep my energy household balanced in order to have a better, longer and healthier life, I thought I share my latest developments:
Sometimes we are living “a” life. Not the one based on our values, our intentions and our inner harmony. We just live and are too busy to notice that we just do that. We are good in ignoring the fact that we put on a few pounds, or that we stopped going to the gym.
From what we get in life we make a living. From what we give, we make a life. Through what I gain by giving to my children & family, and spending time with them, I get more out of life than sitting in the office. However, the latter is for me very enjoyable, and makes me a living.
One question someone asked the other day was, whether the life I am living is worth what I am giving up to have it. What does that mean? I believe that means, that if you are unhappy with your life, and you just do something, e.g. work, for the sake of doing it, you will never be happy. Only if the things you do are based on your values, and you enjoy doing them, you will strive, be successful and enjoy life. You will always have to compromise between a career and your family life, keep balancing both, or at least most of us do.
And on one of those notes, I decided guided on all those health and energy books, to change my diet once again. To lose weight. To drink less coffee. To smoke less cigars. For the sake of my children, for the sake of not losing out whilst being busy living the life that makes me a living.
The lasting change can only be achieved if I define the purpose (kids/health), face the truth (big gut/out of shape) and take action.
The latter lead to a food plan which I am trying to build into my routine.
Breakfast: remove Nutella and peanut butter and replace with protein shake, high fibre cereal/muesli.
Lunch: salad and tuna, couscous and brown bread, brown pita and humous
Diner: rye bread and spreading cheese (light), salads with tomatoes, feta, olive oil and cucumber, yogurts, odd bit of cheese
Snacks: assorted nuts, sunflower seats, apples, bananas, fruit
I hope that this diet and this change will result in some weight loss, a healthier balanced diet (of course there will be the odd indulgence and glass of wine), and a routine that sees me gaining higher energy levels.
Also, once the kids are in a more steady routine, I will go back to the gym, or do some form of exercise.
I have all the good intentions to make my life a life worth living. Enjoying every minute, enjoying my job/work, and giving time to (not only) my family but to life itself.
Have a good one,
Volker
Sunday Column (70)
Posted by Volker in personal, Sunday Column on June 27, 2010
I know a lot of people are getting bored of the Sunday Column, calling it more of a diary than a blog. Fair point, but maybe that is what it is. My thoughts to an openly accessible diary? I try to bring in some idea on life every now and then. However, in all honesty, I hardly have time to sit down and reflect lately.
Work wise the week started off with a very good meeting and on Wednesday I had my first new starter at mexad UK. Finally things are coming together and we are increasing not only the team and presence in the UK, but our growth is supported by an office move next week. So things are going well. Being responsible for the UK means that in return I get a lot of extra work.
So when I write a lot about work, it is because that is where I spend most of time. I sleep less hours in my bed than being at work, and less time with the family than at work. And, I think that is something one has to think about.
If you look at all those studies about people growing old. Mediterranean and Asian food & lifestyle? I am not sure if I mentioned that before, but if you search in my blog you surely find some topics and I believe a TED video on that too. Eating fresh fish, fresh root vegetables, olive oil and enjoying a healthy, relaxed but focused life, integrating the whole family/generations, makes them live a longer and happier life. But I haven’t found a study yet how they work, how much ROI people deliver etc. Question to ask would be how important is that? Is being less ambitious the answer to having a longer and happier life? But if satisfaction in your job and a good career is a motivator, what dilemma do you find yourself in?
Enough about that. On a private note Colin took his first steps by himself. He isn’t 100% there yet but it surely won’t be long for him to walk. He is accepting the harsh German “NEIN” and cries when I tell him off. It sometimes breaks one’s heart but it needs to be done. I wish I had more time with him.
Last but not least, and I deliberately write this post prior to the game: Germany is playing England in the Football World Cup. I personally do not really care who wins and it is only a game. My interest in football is very limited and I wonder how reactions will be if England loses. If they win, nothing will affect me, as I really don’t care. The other way around things could be annoying for a while 
So what to wish for?
I leave you with those thoughts. The weekend is lovely. We have above 25 degrees, many 1st birthday parties, and a BBQ with the neighbours. Happy, content hours.
Yours,
Volker
Sunday Column (65)
Posted by Volker in personal, Sunday Column on May 23, 2010
Wow, what a week. Hardly saw the office this week, or home. But absolutely loved this week too…
Dear work diary,
I spent all Monday in meetings and late into the evening to do work in the office, whilst on Tuesday it didn’t look much better. However, I made it home for Colin’s bath. Wednesday, whilst my boss was over from Germany, we spend most of the day in meetings, decided on a new office and I made it to Manchester and back before having a great time with clients in a Thai restaurant and club called Bam Bou. After a short night we had more meetings, and the week was finished with a day in the office.
Dear life diary,
I had a fabulous week, seeing my son grow up, clapping his hands. He also almost walks and is very cute to watch in the bath. At the weekend we met a lot of his friends. Friday night my wife convinced me to go for an Indian which was a fantastic idea. I was met at the train and we took Colin along. On Saturday we actually managed to spend the day away at the sea. We went to Whistable.
What shall I say. This week really flew past. Whilst writing part of this our Saturday diner is in the oven. An experiment of cheese crusty chicken with asparagus and tatties. Cigar maybe 
Movie maybe. I am exhausted and think that all the ideas I had to do alongside work just don’t get enough attention.
By the way attention. I now get poked by my wife more often through facebook as she got herself an i-phone. I know, I am the old geek now with a blackberry whilst she is the cool lady with the white i-phone. Not much to add, lol.
That should be all for today. Apologies for another short post, but I try to improve next week….
Love & Kindness to you all,
Volker
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