The Geography of Work
- Christy Denman
- May 18, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 5, 2023
Geography is a big deal. It’s important where we are in this world and how it makes us feel to be there. One slight shift in location, can make a profound difference in our livelihood, our attitude, our vibration. The beach is always a place of peace for me, but I never go beyond ankle-deep water. The sound and sight of ocean waves buoy my soul, but thalassophobia is my reality. Working and collaborating is fulfilling and enjoyable and I have spent many years of my life surrounded by people as I work, but I find more creativity and focus working in solitude. Geography, one main motivation for starting a virtual business and shifting my career to remote.
The assessment of my geographic circumstances began a few years ago as my husband and I wondered how two people who grew up in small, rural Texas towns washed ashore in a big city suburb and never left. A progression of choices resulted in our landing and subsequent planting of roots, and I won’t go into all those details, but it occurred to me that we didn’t really choose this place. Digging down, it was the work that kept us here. The financial necessities, the simplicity of making employment choices that were available to us where we were at the moment.
The geographic choices we made within this place, suited us. We were able to buy a house, raise our two sons and educate them well. Our community has given us so much and we are very grateful, but I do wonder how our lives would have played out if we had been more mindful of geography and the effects it has on a life. Would we have been happier or more connected if we had moved on from the suburbs? An answer to that question will never exist and to keep my equilibrium, I lean into a faith that this is where we belong, and sweeten the deal with a little schadenfreude by believing that some of those folks who always make geography a priority in their life choices surely miss out on some things.
In seeking a balance, we discover that the weights are constantly shifting. At this time in my life, geography is getting heavy, moving up on my list of priorities. I’m taking inventory and starting to correct some geographic contradictions by making my workplace my home. I’ve always dreamed of living in the midst of nature or near a seashore. A coastline view calms my mind, standing with tree amplifies my gratitude, and actually seeing the stars heightens by awareness. Maybe immediate natural surroundings will be my next geographic shift, but for now this is enough. For being location independent in my work opens up a new set of choices and opportunities, and that’s exciting.
Sometimes a new direction or new place can rejuvenate our resolve. Some may need to actually lift the sails and ride the winds toward a whole new destiny. Others may need only to make a slight adjustment. Whether shifting location, rethinking services, delegating details, or finally taking that deep dive into defining purpose, mindful intervention and adjustments should be a consistent consideration in business and in life. So, wherever you are in this moment, I hope this finds you in a place of peace, or at least riding the waves in that direction.
There are places where the natural movement of the heart is upwards.
– W H Murray, mountaineer-mystic
BOOKS:
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
BRIEFS:
"Place Matters: The Purpose of Place and What Brings People Back" by Debra Moritz, LinkedIn.com
"The Soul of a Place: Where Does Your Soul Call Home?" by Judith Rich, Huffpost.com
BROADCASTS:
"Clint Smith - Place Matters" | Marc Bacani | YouTube
clintsmithiii.com
Zen Founder Podcast, "Episode #18: Place Matters"
This post may contain affiliate links that are provided for your convenience. At no additional cost to you, purchases made through these links may provide me a small commission on the sale. These small commissions help pay the fees associated with providing this content.
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