“The Place of Work in our Lives”
... Spirit at Work Breakfast with Amy Gage
Thursday, October 11th, 2001

Amy Gage, former St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist, presented an opportunity to dialogue about the balancing act of work and life. Amy wrote a column at the Pioneer Press for 6 ½ years and her topics included “Women and Business” and “Work/Life Balance.” She started the morning by asking us “What do you do?” The responses varied, but some pretty traditional answers, consultant, accountant, business owner, etc. Then she asked us “Who are you?” To this question, we had all kinds of great answers: Spiritual being, playful, passionate, love nature, dog owner, searcher, friend, helper, athlete, husband, father, son, dreamer, advocate, and creator. We talked about the trend, in today’s culture, of identifying who we are by the type of paid work we do. And that when we look at the question of who we are, we see a much bigger, fulfilling picture.

We broke out into six groups and each group covered one of the following questions. I’ve included some of the comments relayed back to the larger group, but I would encourage you to answer these for yourself. The responses listed are in the first person, but are the groups’ comments.

1. How do you define “success?” I define success as being able to impact issues and relationships. Having a balanced life, knowing what I want, and being introspective. I have compared my life to that of a bicycle wheel with me in the center and looking at all the areas that I touch. I need to be healthy to be effective.
2. Has the meaning of work changed for you? I’ve discovered that more time at work does not mean more value at the job. I used to think in terms that if I work harder, I could make a difference. I find that isn’t necessarily true. I’ve shifted my priorities and values to relationships.
3. How do you respond to change? It depends on how I think about the change. Does it have value and meaning? As I have experienced more changes in my life, change is less frightening.
4. Would you trade money for time? Yes. My family has made a choice to have one parent at home with the children. This means that we don’t eat out in restaurants, buy fancy things, and take exotic vacations, but we value being able to parent our children full-time.
5. How have your priorities changed with age or experience? I have more awareness about how I want to be treated by an employer. I choose to follow my heart and hopefully attain a greater sense of personal integrity.
6. How do you make a difference? By being comfortable with myself, I can bring myself to give to those in my life. My work values are aligned with my personal values and I search out my passion.

Vickie Hepler has been involved with the Sister Parish group since its inception in 1993 and traveled with the first delegation to visit TNII in Guatemala in the spring of 1995. She joined the SJA choir in 1998 and loves the groups' enthusiasm and is touched deeply by the music and spirit. Vickie also cherishes her involvement in a SCC that's about five years old.

It was another successful morning, with great food and company, and a great opportunity to share and dialogue about these issues.

The next Spirit at Work Breakfast will feature Jim Lenarz: "Revisioning Life After 40", on November 8 from 7-9 am in Hospitality Hall. Join us.