I have been thinking about "work" lately.  We are called to work.  To be fruitful. To do good works with our hands and to contribute meaningfully to society.  I also recognize that the quality of my work is the highest when I do deep work.  For me, deep work means offering my full attention and my highest quality of effort to a set block of time.  To do my work excellently.  

 

When I was working a 9-5 job, I operated in this constant state of mediocre energy.  An energy that had to last all day.  I had to pace myself just so I could make it through 8 hours of seeing patients.  This kind of work left me drained.  The 9-5 pace of life was not sustainable for me.  It did not fit me.  And everyone is different.

 

When I intentionally focus for a few hours, then allow space for rest, leisure, and play afterwards, I end the day feeling a "good" kind of tired.  It is the sense of "I did that."  I put in the meaningful work without completely depleting myself because I was working from a place of overflow.  This is why I block my patients during certain hours of the day, and also schedule in time for solitude, rest, and restorative rhythms to enjoy and recharge.

 

I recognize that I can fully give it my all in my work because I have this inner knowing of trust, that I have all I need. I can pour from a full cup, and take that step of offering my full attention, presence, and wholeness to the people around me.

​

When I work from this place of abundance, that is when I feel the most in touch with myself.  I feel most alive.  I am my truest self and do not have to put on a performance.  With this mindset, I can embrace and trust the process.  Knowing that I lack nothing allows me to navigate my work in this way.

​

This is how I would define a healthy hustle.  Working from a heart of abundance.  A heart of knowing and trust.  A heart of "I have all I need."

​

I am reminded of Philippians 4:11-12: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty."  I am deeply encouraged by this, as Paul writes that regardless of how much or little he has, he is content.  

​

​

💬 Do I work from a place of lack or abundance?​​

💬 What rhythms help me feel restored and ready for deep work?

💬 What does “working from a place of abundance” look like? 

​​​​

​

Thank you so much for reading ❤️