Growing up in the Weinberg household, everyone was busy, all. the. time. We were in and out with activities, my parents were busy with school/shul and family obligations and commitments. It was a busy in and out environment. And by chance, if we happened to be home at night, someone was always still working. In high school, after basketball practice or a game, somehow there was always food waiting for me on the kitchen table, even though my mom was grading papers or planning her next unit, and my dad was at a board meeting. I had two, and still have one, of the hardest working parents in the world. Ideas were always being discussed around our kitchen table, often late into the night. The next big project, school, Shul, or family related, it didn't matter, all were priorities. One thing that was always hard, my parents were always busy. In the best way possible, work was their love. And I see it reflected within me, my sisters, and my community on a daily basis. The energy, the commitment, dedication, and love in which my parents dedicated and continue to dedicate themselves to their jobs is amazing. It truly is something unique, incredibly powerful to witness and be a part of.
This work ethic my parents had/have, naturally rubbed off on me. How could it not? I was surrounded by the hardest working people and admired their ability to get everything done, most days made it seem easy, and still had time to come to every game of mine. So as I grew up, work was a top priority. Work hard because you love it. That was what I gathered from life. You love what you do, therefore you work hard because you enjoy it, and make it a priority.
Well, four years ago when my mom was diagnosed with cancer, my mentality shifted. Work was less of a priority as I had to find a balance between monthly trips back to Dallas, time for myself to keep my sanity, and doing my best to be there for my family. This idea of a healthy work life balance was something I wasn't totally aware of, and that it existed in families and mentalities all over the world. I spent the next year plus really struggling with how to best be there for my students while managing how to find a balance in my own personal life. Friendships took a toll, my relationship with my family also took a toll. One of the most difficult things for me was how it affected my life and balance in the gym (my classroom lol). I wasn't totally there and present for my students the way I should have been or wanted to be.
Eventually, I took some time off from work. I was able to be in Dallas and spend time with my family. Even while I felt I was spiraling downward in some ways, in others, I was able to reset, to reevaluate my priorities and find some balance to my daily life.
Colorado taught me some incredibly important lessons. One major one being, the value of a healthy workalike balance. Tel Aviv also has this mentality. The mountains served as my getaway and emotional recharge before reentering life. Colorado taught me the importance and value of taking a step back and appreciating all that life has to offer. And I mean ALL. Work will always be there. But life is not something to take for granted. The beauty of this world. The value of our relationships with those around us. Friendships. Hold on to those you hold dear. Make them a priority. Choose happiness. Choose to value the little aspects of our lives that we so often overlook. What feels like a million hours of therapy, a change of scenery, and my favorite niece and nephew around the corner, I may be starting over trying to find a balance with my new life. However, one thing I know won't change, are my priorities. I'm glad my eyes were opened to the realities of our world, the importance of finding a healthy work-life balance, and making those important to me a priority.
Before I end, I feel the need to explain that a healthy work life balance does not mean not working. Or working less. I am a hard worker, I have professional goals in mind, aspirations I hope to achieve, but I prioritize now in a way I didn't before. I carve out time for myself. I carve out time to be with family. I carve out time to spend with friends and building relationships. At times it can be difficult, and sometimes I feel like if only there were 48 hrs in a day instead of 24 it would be great, but if it's important, I will make it happen. I will get it done.
Find your inspiration. Find your motivation. Write down your top 5 priorities in life. Decide how you want to prioritize and how you are going to slowly incorporate them into your daily life. This is important. Do it for you. Do it for your loved ones. Do it to live a happy and healthy life.
Sending love and good vibes from a chilly Tel Aviv morning <3
xoxo
Jordi
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