Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Tuesday Reflections ......

Every week since the beginning of 2008 I have been on the road more than I have been at home. To be at home this week therefore provides me with a wonderful opportunity to catch up with loose ends and do some writing. It feels good to be able to have time to reflect.

On Thursday evening we are going to see An Audience with Tony Benn at the Town Hall, Birmingham and on Sunday we have tickets for The Eagles in concert at the O2 Arena in London.


So it turns this is quite a nice week.

One reflection is about my previous life, working in the NHS and how I had 6 weeks and 2 days paid holiday every year plus every Public Holiday off duty. This meant I was paid to be away from my job for about 43 days every year.


A massive eight and a half weeks paid to be way from my desk.

Now that I am self-employed I have no paid ‘annual leave’. I have no regular hours - in fact I work longer hours than ever I did in my NHS career. I do not get paid if I am sick.

And yet ….. I am happier than ever before in my life.


Why? - 3 simple reasons spring to mind;

*I'm in love with Annie who supports me 100%

*I'm doing what I want to do

*I'm content

Life is good - love and contentment are more important than money.

4 comments:

Richard Lipscombe said...

Here is something to contemplate this week - it comes from a person who seems to genuinely understand what it is that most of us seek when we actively pursue Simplicity in our lives...

Professor Gerry Sussman says:

“Being smart in the arts is the same as being smart in engineering is the same as being smart in writing is the same as being smart in anything, really. It’s the ability to manipulate all the pieces of the puzzle in your mind, try to fit them together, and when they don’t fit quite right … you sand the edges/corners and make them all fit.”

That is the Simplicity that I know, love, and pursue in my daily life. It has integrity, purpose, meaning, and practical application. It is not encumbered by ideology, ego, or over-simplification. I'll drink to Professor Gerry Sussman's version of Simplicity.

Trevor Gay said...

Richard - I'll join you in raising a pint glass of good ol' Real English Ale to Professor Sussman :-)

Take care my friend - hope you are well.

Anonymous said...

The rich and successful man is he that does what he loves. You have a wonderful partner, a thriving business and great employees. With that arrangement Everyday is a holiday.

Trevor Gay said...

Cheers Rocky - and having friends like you just makes it all better -Thanks Amigo :-)