Do You Have A "Trouble Tree"?

It does not matter whether you are a business owner or employee, we all have challenges, troubles, stressors and problems in our workplace. However, one thing that can definitely improve our family life and our overall well being is to not bring those things home with us. But, since our work life and home life can often be intertwined or at least intimately connected, how can we be better at leaving work at work? Check this out! :-)

You may have read this or something like it before, however, I thought it worth the time and effort to share this simple yet powerful story/exercise, either as a reminder or for some, a new approach in dealing with this issue.

The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family.

As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied." I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again." He paused. "Funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there ain't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before and the ones that are still there are much lighter then when I put them there the night before."

So, whether you have a "tree" or something else you can use, by keeping your work issues outside the house, you will not bring them in to affect those you love. And, you just might find, like the carpenter, that they are either gone or much less severe in the light of a new day!

May you be blessed always and in all ways!