Ever seen an art print like one of these?
If you, like me, follow the online design community, I guarantee you’ve seen them around.
I used to love the message, and really I still do, but the realist in me has to accept that not everyone can do what they love. If we all did, this world would be full of broke artists! And Comcast customer service from actual people would cease to exist! (I imagine that would be the worst job ever.)
Right now, for instance, my husband and I manage a complex of 53 condos. I do not relish my job—far from it. But I tolerate it, occasionally enjoy aspects of it, and am always grateful for it. San Francisco is the fourth most expensive city in the US (ranking ahead of Honolulu, Boston and D.C.). So a job I do not relish allows us to save money and allows me to stay home and squeeze these cheeks all day long:
And I cannot resent that.
Someday, when I’m actually doing what I love full-time (in addition to being a mom, of course!), maybe I’ll want to display one of the above beauties, but until then, I am going to remember that there is a season for everything, and a little sacrifice now will be worth it later.
Are you doing what you love?
First off, adorable picture!
Nice perspective. I think they are pretty quotes, but I agree that it seems a little unrealistic. When I really think about them, it reminds me of a RS lesson we had once- that one of Satan's traps is to make us believe that we need more, that we deserve to always be doing what we want to do. And while I 100% believe that every person needs to have at least one thing that he or she enjoys, some kind of a break from the daily grind, how meaningless and wasteful our lives would be if we always thought of ourselves!
I like the ones better that say something along the lines of, "Do what you love and love what you do!". True happiness comes from choosing to be happy with what we have now and seeking to bless the lives of others.
Thanks for making me think. And write my own post in your comment section :0)
I always love your comments! Please, "post" away! In fact, this is great food for thought, and I might just have to follow up with another post! Thanks!
amen! one of my fave english professors would always say "women *can* have it all– just not all at once." I repeat that to myself on days I wish I were somewhere other than at home and allow myself to dream a little, knowing the time will come. Then I try to remember how grateful I am to be with Bria all the time, even if on really hard days I can't remember that gratitude until after bedtime. 🙂
YES! Bedtime is magical that way, isn't it?!
And I am going to remember that saying.
Uh yes…I hear you sister. Especially about the apartment managing thing. I don't love it, but am thankful for it and look at it as a means to an end. And I don't exactly love my real life job right now, but I'm stuck with it and so I make the most out of it! And of course there are parts to both of those jobs that I love and parts that I hate, just like anything else in life. Everything is not as perfect as all those pinterest quotes make it seem like it should be!
And sometimes I feel guilty for not pursuing all my dreams and for doing jobs I don't really love, but then I just think, "am I happy with my life?", and I am! It all makes it worth it to have people you love around you (like my Chad and my baby coming) and to make the most out of whatever circumstance you're in. As long as you're working towards something and you can still be happy in what you do!
Thanks for being so candid, Erica. I see those prints all the time; I sometimes PIN them. Then after momentarily feeling inspired, a sense of guilt creeps in. No, I'm not doing what I really want, what inspires me. Yes, I resent a lot of things that I have to do and the place I find myself in my career. These quotes make me feel like it is my own fault not being blissfully happy everyday because I threw caution to the wind and pursued a dream. Well, when you are connected to family (kids, parents, or even a spouse) you have obligations that don't always ALLOW us to do that! I have to encourage myself that I have a goal to change my life situation and am taking tiny steps, but I'm still fulfilling my responsibilities. This is all I can do, and I shouldn't feel guilty for not "making it happen"…regardless of how those (well-intending) colorful posters make me feel.
Thanks for "stopping by" Lovely Cupboard today:)
Thanks, Rach! I like the idea of just asking ourselves, "Am I happy with my life?" In the end, that's what matters! Love you!
Another well spoken post! I just think all the things you say touch on so many points in my life! Thanks!!!
P.S. Is there a way to follow your blog?
ah, but you ARE doing and living what you love… staying home with those sweet boys.
i understand completely though. i actually manage condos too… what a pain. but i love it for the same reason you do – it allows me to be home with the kiddos. so totally worthwhile.
🙂
Well said, April! Thankfully, the biggest part of what I do IS what I love. It’s just that one creative part that gets to ride backseat for a while. But I’m okay with that!
How funny that you manage too. Yes, it has its ups and downs! 🙂 Thanks so much for reading!