When I was a child, the days of the week were significant.
Monday was the beginning of the school week, and Friday was the last day before the weekend.
Saturday was the only day that we had spare time after household chores.
Sunday was ‘The Lord’s Day”, attending church in the morning and evening.
As I got older, the significance was lost on me as they all became working days, and you were lucky to have time off on the weekend.
I was living a meaningless life with no purpose.
The negative change happened when I realised that my mental health was deteriorating, as I could see no way forward with no plan in mind.
I was like a hamster on a wheel—the repetitive, methodical way of living.
The strain of life impacted my mental health, and I knew that something had to change.
This brought me back to my school days when we had to see a careers advisor.
What on earth did you want to be when you started work?
My vocation was never meant to be in profit-making companies, and I have no interest in them. (Happiness over money)
I have had many roles in different jobs but found much later that I enjoyed working with people as my interest has always been in human behaviour patterns. By writing books, I have had the privilege of studying my behaviours.
After having a major breakdown 12 years ago, I started working in the healthcare environment.
Working with the MNDA, St Joseph’s Hospice, and ELFT has given me a purpose and a meaningful life.
Listening, encouraging, supporting, mentoring, coaching, and empathising with people is more rewarding than the bigger pay packet.
Living a selfish life, being controlled by the materialism of this world, hurting others by putting them down and having no respect for myself is a waste of energy. Those days are done!
Today, I live a meaningful life because I have rid myself of what does not serve me; I have attained wisdom, strength, confidence and a new sense of self-worth.
I have surrendered all to God as I know him.
I will not say that my days are perfect or less stressful. I still have afflictions, but I am learning to manage them healthily.
In everything, there must be a balance.
Natalie Bleau
The Scripture of Balance