As we approach the two-year pandemic anniversary, there's much to reflect on. In the spirit of collaboration and connection, I'm offering the following services to help you navigate the uncertainty and triumph in the face of adversity:
“What's your line of work?” he asked. “I'm in the contentment field.” Puzzled, he followed, “Who do you work for?” “Happiness,” I answered. “Do you get paid?” “Abundantly.” “What are your hours?” “It's a full-time gig.” “What kinds of things do you do?” “It varies day to day but mostly I notice beauty in the details… I prepared delicious and nutritious meals and chew slowly I dance and listen to great music I tend to the living things: water the plants feed the chickens pet the dogs take walks with neighbors I spend time with the people I love and respect praise the children comfort the grieving and make Love whenever possible I create too there's a lot of creativity in this work I solve problems worth solving Most importantly, I take naps in the middle of the day Resting is something my office not only allows but encourages Sometimes I dream Or Imagine Or do nothing That's when I'm most productive And I meditate The secret to most of my success Is sitting in the stillness Listening for the quiet Tuning my senses I take my work very seriously I even have the evidence to show for it Can you see the glimmer in my eyes? the sparkle in my smile?”
His interest piqued, he inquired, “How did you get this job?” “Well, it's a non-competitive selection process Very inclusive. Only the people who are committed to joy are chosen. Those who are truly dedicated to applying themselves get hired.”
“Sounds involved…” “Oh it is!
It’s not one of those careers you can fake your way through. And it’s definitely not a job you can half-ass.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready for that level of commitment.” “I understand. Misery is a big industry You have lawyers Pharmaceuticals Drug dealers Jailers Advertising and marketing companies Not to mention, the obvious: Bars Liquor stores Pornography Denial And shopping malls. There are so many avenues for illegitimate suffering. If those don't work, there's always legitimate suffering: Poverty Illness and disease Violence and neglect War and division Loss and grief “If you hang in there long enough, eventually you can arrive at death without even giving contentment a second thought. Like I said, my kind of work takes a lot of commitment.”