Recently I've had several conversations about work/life balance.
I believe in creating a work/life balance.
And I believe that work/life balance is different than work/life integration – something I don't think we practice enough.
For me, work/life balance means setting limits on when I check email, when I'm on my phone/computer, not doing work after hours or on weekends.
That's all relatively easy for me to practice.
Work/life integration, for me, is about living my values and principles and beliefs always – not distinguishing between work and non-work.
My work, fortunately, is all about building relationships, starting conversations, educating and coaching and teaching and training people to be more self-aware and culturally competent.
My work is about empathy and compassion and emotional intelligence and connection and listening and trust and inclusion and creating spaces of belonging for myself and others.
And this isn't limited to "work". This is who I am.
With my kids. With my friends. In any community or social setting I am in.
This is the perspective I bring to life. I'm comfortable, confident, and competent with it.
I don't have to turn it on and off for different situations. I don't have to balance it.
I choose to integrate it.
What about you?