Work

I have never been particularly good at dividing my work and free time. In the past I have focused too much on work and neglected my physical and emotional well being. Everyday was focused around work, getting up to work, going to work, eating lunch with coworkers, leaving work and then talking about work when I got home. I didn't have hobbies any longer, although I attempted to do outdoor activities on the weekend like other Americans, but I didn't have any time dedicated to my personal growth. 

When we moved to Montana I really changed my outlook on work. I'm not sure that it was conscious, but several things happened. First, I learned that I didn't get any cerebral satisfaction from my job. I wasn't mentally engaged as I have been in past jobs. So I could do my job with little to no thought, as long as I was fairly diligent everything got done and bosses were happy with the growth in sales. 

Second I started riding my bike with a great group of guys. All professionals, with families, like myself and they seemed to find time to ride their bikes nearly everyday. Quickly I realized that a lot of the day to day stress of life can be worked out while on a bike. Having an hour or two to figure things out in my head was incredibly freeing. When I needed to vent about work or family I had guys who could relate. 

So now I find myself skewing the opposite way from work. Spending maybe too much time riding my bike, or exercising, or traveling with my family and now I need to come back to reality a bit. The life that Sarah and I have built doesn't really work if I don't have a goodpaying  job with loads of freedom and I know that those jobs don't really exist. I just got really lucky to land the one that I have. I don't know how to rank what's important, certainly work shouldn't be #1 and neither should riding a bike, but that shouldn't be too far below family time. 

I guess moderation in all things is probably the best advice. Who knows.