A Roadmap for Employees and Entrepreneurs in Recovery
It took a long time for me to integrate spiritual principles into my work. I was on an autopilot disconnect from my higher power (HP) regarding work and money. I just couldn’t let go of the reins– trying to control everything and everyone.
I always thought I knew best how to run the company, how to do my supervisor’s job and what my co-workers and clients should be doing. I never asked for help. It was exhausting.
When I became willing to accept that spiritual principles of my recovery program could indeed be applied to my work, a lot of doors opened. I gradually gained peace of mind, built harmonious relationships and increased my productivity and prosperity.
New opportunities emerged and seemingly unsolvable problems disappeared or were quickly resolved. No longer was I always striving to control outcomes and trying to change other people. I worked on my own attitudes and behaviors, kept the focus on me, and let HP handle the rest.
Sad to say, it took me many years in recovery to finally let go of work and money.
By let go, I mean I stopped living in fear: Fear that I would lose my job or my business; fear that I wasn’t good enough; fear that I would land in the street, penniless and living in a large refrigerator box with my dog.
I learned to replace fear with faith, in the beginning with logic, and later more metaphysically. When I took the time to sit down and write—searching fearlessly for evidence that any of my worries and anxieties were true—I realized that most of my fears were about an imagined future of catastrophic events or about cringeworthy flashbacks to the past.
Living in the moment by doing the next right thing always helps me release those fears, together with prayer and meditation.
I have been fired from a job and started a business that was a bit less than successful. But those troubling events ALWAYS presented tremendous learning experiences (after I had a good cry), and new and better opportunities— all which contribute to a life filled with purpose and passion today.
I learned to voice my opinions, ideas and strategies without alienating others. I discovered how to take calculated risks based in a faith that was once an alien concept.
A wise someone once told me, if you’re not making mistakes, you’re not taking enough risks. And taking risks means having faith in myself and my HP, stepping out of my comfort zone, finding work that lights up my world, and living a balanced, fulfilling life.
This doesn’t mean I have to accept unacceptable behavior from others either at work or elsewhere. Today I strive to employ diplomatic strategies to redirect toxicity away from me, and when all else fails, I move on. I truly believe we teach others how to treat us, mostly by treating people the way we want to be treated with kindness, compassion, empathy and love.
I know it’s hard when the boss or client is being overly critical, or micro-managing, or imposing an idea you disagree with.
However, I know that NOT reacting in the moment works much better than an emotional outburst. Hitting the pause button when disturbed (I visualize a big red PAUSE button in my mind and on my keyboard), allows me time and perspective to assess the situation without acting out in anger or saying something I would most likely regret later.
Sometimes I come up with an idea, response (or no response or action) days later. I try to do my best every day.
Here are some things I’ve learned over the years to launch (or continue) your spiritual journey at work:
1. Refrain from gossip
2. Establish appropriate boundaries (knowing when and how to stand up for yourself, and when to remain silent)
3. Do the best you can every day and let go of perfection
4. Don’t take things personally – almost everything has nothing to do with you 5. Keep your resume polished, even though you could be quite happy where you are
6. Realize that perception may not be truth: Get all the facts from reliable sources
7. Keep the focus on you (mind your own business)
8. Leave your personal life at the door
9. Remember your HP is in charge. Relax!
Some days, I have to pray for the willingness to do the next right thing, having faith that my HP will take care of the rest. Most days, I wake up inspired and excited to start my work.
I wish you much abundance, prosperity, peace and joy as you weave spiritual principles into your work world and into your entire life!