I have worked part-time (voluntarily) for a year now. My experience, despite my belief that if I do more I will be happier, has been that I am happier when I have the time to process what goes on in my life, let it go and then spend time simply being happy - taking walks, visiting friends, going for coffee, sitting still, writing; I have even made enquiries about allotments...
The reduced money has been frustrating at times but I have learned discipline around what I spend my money on and I have found that by necessity I am sharing a lot more and therefore acknowledging my interdependent-ness with others - moving away from my need to be completely independent. This feels much more natural and human. I will likely give up my car this year and switch to public transport (and the odd car-hire).
It is counter-intuitive for me but I am more relaxed, happier in myself and much more emotionally connected with myself and others.
On Jan 12, 2012 MT wrote:
I have worked part-time (voluntarily) for a year now. My experience, despite my belief that if I do more I will be happier, has been that I am happier when I have the time to process what goes on in my life, let it go and then spend time simply being happy - taking walks, visiting friends, going for coffee, sitting still, writing; I have even made enquiries about allotments...
The reduced money has been frustrating at times but I have learned discipline around what I spend my money on and I have found that by necessity I am sharing a lot more and therefore acknowledging my interdependent-ness with others - moving away from my need to be completely independent. This feels much more natural and human. I will likely give up my car this year and switch to public transport (and the odd car-hire).
It is counter-intuitive for me but I am more relaxed, happier in myself and much more emotionally connected with myself and others.