Love and Work: The Pleasures of Our Lives

Long ago I read a book that featured one of
Dr. Sigmund Freud’s most famous theories. Freud said that man has two basic
needs: love and work. As a young woman, I had already figured out the universal
need for love, but the idea that work’ was equally as important was a big
aha’.

For me, my work became a meaningful part of
my life. Today, it’s even better that my work involves helping others to find
meaningful work, too.

If you already have meaningful love
relationships in your lifeand enjoy work that feels like the perfect fit for
youyou are a lucky one!

If you’re not yet in that place, may I share
some thoughts with you?

• The perfect love that we grew up
  expecting may not be exactly what we got.
  In fact, we may still be looking for a partner to share our life
  with. But in the meantime, if we have a good friend here and there, a
  family member or two that we share a special affinity with, a pet that
  sings us awake or snuggles us to sleep, a parent still in the world that
  loves us no matter what, a sister, brother, aunt, or cousin that we can
  laugh with and share food withthen we are lucky, lucky people.

• On a day that we’re feeling
  unloved, for whatever reason, remember this: Love is as much about giving
  as it is about receiving. So if we send out wishes, light candles with
  intention, pray for special ones, or let those in need know that we are
  there.we are loving in the highest sense of the word.

• If work feels ready to be
  redefined for you, simplify the search by writing down just three values
  that matter most to you right now.
  Then, as you research and investigate the myriad opportunities, use
  those values as a guideline for coming to your best choice. And on those days when you just can’t
  seem to make the search happendo just one small thing to move the action
  forwardjust one.

• Sometimes the best choice for
  meaningful work means working for ourselvesat least you’ll like your
  boss! If entrepreneurship is
  calling to you, take a close look at it.
  And don’t feel the need to look at it alone. Call in those who care
  for you to lighten the journey. The help is there if you ask for it.and
  the result is well worth the figuring out!