It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.

Muhammad Ali

It is a mistake to measure an individual’s value solely in terms of what the marketplace will pay that individual. Unfortunately, it is the way our society and culture measures its people.

I choose to be measured by the value I provide to my family and friends, economic and otherwise. I choose to avoid abusive relationships, especially in the corporate world. I am reminded of the work of Paul Hwoschinsky who influenced me many years ago in his book  True Wealth. Do you live to work? Or do you work to live? The answer for me has always been I work to live. It can be no other way for me. It has been no other way for me.

Over the years I’ve posed this simple question to my offspring and to others struggling with the concept of balance in their lives. The offspring have learned the lesson and learned it well. But there are many others with whom I’ve crossed paths that unfortunately never learn nor understand what is truly important.

Do you live to work? Or do you work to live? Think deeply. Choose well.