2023 Path to Joy # 11, Meaningful Work

Byaaron.fordwright@gmail.com
December 9, 2023
Paths to Joy

Consider

The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.
– Steve Jobs

All “Illustrated Wisdoms” in this 2023 Paths to Joy collection were created by splattering Dylusions shimmer spray on 11×14, 98 pound, Canson mixed media paper, then spritzing with water to see how the colors would run and gather.

Art is available with and without the quote. Shop Sandra’s Gallerie s.

Consider that about half of the 24 hours in an average work day involve preparing for, traveling to and from and the time spent at work. With eight hours spent sleeping, that leaves four hours for everything else. In understanding how much of life work consumes, these thoughts merit consideration,

Your profession is not what brings home your weekly paycheck, your profession is what you’re put here on earth to do, with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling.
— Vincent Van Gogh

Happiness isn’t found in some finite checklist of goals that we can diligently complete and then coast. It’s how we live our lives in the process. That’s why the four pillars of happiness are faith, family, community and meaningful work. Those are priorities we have to keep investing in.
— Arthur C. Brooks

For, in the end, it is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life. And it is very difficult to have a meaningful life without meaningful work.

— James C. Collins

What is meaningful work? Indeed lists fourteen elements, including:

Chances to continue advancing skills through progressively more challenging assignments
Opportunities to help others
Pathways to professional development through training and mentorships
Read more

How can meaningful work be found? In “The 5 Pillars of Fulfilling Work,” Wavelength lists respect for self and from others. Also, how your work could improve the world. Then, there’s money-money-money. To decide it’s role in creating a more meaningful existence, ask.

How much money is needed to live reasonably
What are the most important things money could buy [or not buy]
Read more

These “Paths to Joy” were found in an old book published by National Religious Press. Of the Eleventh Path, page 117 said, “Work with right motives. The highest purpose of your life should be to grow in spiritual grace and power.”

When we must work, what a splendid way to spend the time.

Succeed and Soar!