What She Said!

As I was working at the shop yesterday, one of our newer Northern Vessel employees walked in. She had just returned to town from her first vacation since starting her job with us. After a brief back-and-forth about her trip, she added, "This is the first time I've ever missed work on a vacation and was excited to get back."

Yes! This is exactly the type of culture we're trying to set at NV, but also the type of mindset I try to perpetuate in my work. For me, this is one of the hallmark signs of a meaningful life. Not the only sign, but most certainly a sign. When we wake up every day excited for what we're about to do, we've already won. When we're in the midst of an awesome vacation, and we're excited to get back to work, we've already won.

No, we don't HAVE to find meaning in our work. No, we don't HAVE to look forward to returning from vacation. No, we don't HAVE to wake up every day excited for what we're about to do. But it helps! It makes such a huge difference.

When I interact with people in my life, whether friends, strangers, or someone in between, I notice a trend. Those who carry themselves with the most joy typically feel meaning in their work. After all, we spend half our waking hours working. If we live that 50% of our waking life in some form of tolerance or misery, it's no surprise that we lose a little pep in our step. On the flip side, when both halves of our waking life have meaning, it's hard not to carry a posture of joy.

This young lady's comment was the highlight of my day. She might not know that, but it truly inspired me. "This is the first time I've ever missed work on a vacation and was excited to get back." What she said!

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