Everyone knows the saying, "Eat to live, don't live to eat". I believe that same idea applies to work. Americans are known for their pretentious work ethic. We are hard-working people who keep the American Dream at heart. But what if we are working too much? What is the point of working hard to be successful to never enjoy the life you've made? Make time for your friends and family. Take a break. Partaking in some R&R is not being lazy, and in fact is much needed. Especially up here in the Northshore, we are so fast paced. I noticed this past weekend when I was down the Cape that I found myself getting frustrated with people driving or walking slowly. My mom said, "but that's us. We're always on the go and never take our time." She's right. Though I would never trade my life or where I live for the world, I recognize her point. When I went to Italy, everyone took their time. Dinner was five hours long. They take a break in the middle of their work day for coffee. At home, dinner lasts twenty minutes. For us we spend more time cooking than eating, and when we do eat dinner, it's not always together at the dining room table. When did dinner time become a disruption? We eat in the car on the way to work, school, or practice. We don't call our loved ones as often as we should, and certainly don't spend as much time as we should with them either. We use, "I can't I have work" all too often. Instead of working to make a living, we work to live beyond our means.

Work is great. Work gives us purpose, responsibility, and independence. Just remember, there is more to life than a job. Don't run yourself too thin. Go on a vacation. Take a day off to spend quality time with the ones you love. Make time.

Remember to enjoy this life.