Howling Dog

Guest post by: Andrew Campbell-Watt
Become an Author

Free PDF Download
Work/Life Balance - By Andrew Campbell-Watt

Many people will know this brief tale – or at least a variation of it, but it is worth repeating for the message it sends. It is a simple tale of a man who visits a friend whom he finds on the back porch of his house sitting on a chair, idling away the time by whittling on a piece of wood. He strikes up a conversation with his friend but is constantly interrupted by a dog lying next to his friend’s chair, which every now and again whines then emits a howl. Somewhat alarmed he asks his friend if the dog shouldn’t be taken to a vet and treated for an obviously painful ailment.

The friend says, “No. He is lying on a nail but it is not hurting enough for him to get up and move. So he just lies there whining and howling.”

Now how many of us are in a situation, domestically or at work, which gives us grief in that it is emotionally draining, stressful and generally unpleasant? If this is your situation (and I believe that many people find themselves in this situation) which, to put it plainly, is not conducive to peace of mind or work-life balance, what are you doing about it? Are you just accepting the emotional pain without getting up and moving and just like the unfortunate animal in the tale above, complaining about your situation but remaining where you are? Why? In the name of all that is wonderful, why?

A reluctance to move may be as a result of economic circumstances – this is perfectly understandable, particularly if there are no jobs to move to. But internalise the fact that this is merely a temporary situation. This will give you hope for the future.

In our society it is a criminal offence to physically restrain someone against their will - unless of course they are already in prison, which is a different story entirely. I am talking about voluntary situations where a choice has been made; a choice which turned out to have been not very good. We all make bad decisions at times. If you made a bad choice, take a deep breath, choose again and move on with your life.

Remember, without chains, you are only held against your will if you have, (even subconsciously), given someone permission to hold you. Move on – withdraw that “permission” and live the life you choose to live. Live your life, not the life someone else wants you to live.

Now choose and move on! Don’t just complain and do nothing! Do something!!

Be A Hawk

Are You Stepping Into Growth?

Writing Poetry Under the Moon

The Stupid Mistakes Disorganised Business Owners Make

Are Your Marketing Materials Selling the Wrong Things

We Just Need to Have FUN

Focus on the Problem

Lillian Vernon Quotes

Personal Responsibility: What Entitles You?

What Not to Do on a Cold Call Email

Why Criticism is Important to Success

Business Integrity

Do Not Feed The Inner Demons

A Website Without Video Is Like...

5 Obstacles Women Entrepreneurs Encounter and How to Surmount them

The WHY of SEO - A Thermal Lifejacket for the Economic Ice Age!

I Had a Life During Tax Season!

PR Has to Be More Involved in Company Branding

Home > Work-Life > Andrew Campbell-Watt > Howling Dog > Google +

Free PDF Download
Work/Life Balance - By Andrew Campbell-Watt

About the Author: Andrew Campbell-Watt

RSS for Andrew's articles - Visit Andrew's website
Andrew Campbell-Watt is a qualified Life Coach. During the journey of his life he has also picked up two degrees - a Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Commerce - and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business. Along the way he has also gathered a life time of study and practical experience in moral philosophy,ethics and stress management. These he has applied in his forty odd years in business, for himself and as an employee. He has since found increasing need to use his special skills in helping people through the emotional turmoil of retirement and the many attendant issues. His wide experience in a variety of industries give him a unique platform to mentor and reach out to help anyone who has difficulty in finding peace of mind and some measure in their life, in what is an increasingly complex and anxious world.
Click here to visit Andrew's website.

More from Andrew Campbell-Watt
The Office Bully
Part 1 After the ball is over
Be carefull Success may not be all that you expect
Whistleblowers are necessary
Howling Dog

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Howling Dog

Related Articles

Related Forum Posts

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.


Name:
Email: