A few nights ago, I had dinner with relatives who had just flown in from Malaysia, and I casually asked what the wife normally cooks for dinner (I just love food)… She mentioned that they normally went out for dinner, as both the husband and herself did not have time to cook due to their very hectic work-lifestyle.

I went quiet for a while. I was not judging the answer in a bad way, but I reflected because I had just came back from four weeks of travelling and eating outside. I could not possibly imagine doing that for the next four weeks, let alone eating out almost every day?

So we casually chatted about her work and why she was busy and stressed. She spoke how her time has been taken up with her work, and by the time she reaches home every day there is no time to cook for the family. If you are working parent, you would resonate with the statement above.

So being a life coach me, I was digging/fishing for more information… and to see whether I could understand her frustrations and stress. I was figuring out how to offer different views and ideas on reducing stress … tactfully.

On the other hand, being a food lover, I was ever so sad that the pure joy of a home-cooked meal would become a “chore” for busy working parents. My best memory of food was sitting together with my family and enjoying the dishes that were placed in front of me… remembering the taste and the look of each dish and the conversations we shared together.

I am not saying that you can’t connect with your family while eating out, but normally on week days, you tend to eat in a hurry. As everyone is tired and have many things on their minds, food becomes a means to fill the stomach rather than to enjoy and savour.

On top of that, eating out too frequently is not good for one’s health. Restaurants or food court places may not be using the best cooking oils when stir frying; the ingredients they use may not be fresh or there may be too much sodium in the dishes.

Your Priority, Your Choice

However, looking at the whole picture, it is not so much about eating out or cooking at home; it comes right down to one’s priority in life. How you perceive the important things in life and how to strike the balance you need to live your life to the fullest.

For example:

So grab your pen and paper and start journaling and ask yourself the following questions:

  • What do you want your life to look like?
  • What is important to you in your life? And why?
  • What do you want out of life?
  • How are you going to obtain your wishes?
  • What are your values?
  • What do you stand for?

Remember, you are your children’s role model. If you are modeling a life that is imbalanced and filled with unhappiness, you are modeling this exact sentiment to your children.

Be the example you want to see in your children.

Over the next two blogs, I will be sharing with you two things:

  • What is the advantages of getting your children to be involved in the home chores; and
  • When you keep saying you are busy… what is it actually telling you.

Remember, work life harmony is about balancing your priorities based on your your values and the choices you make. Your happiness is about the choices you make.

Love your thoughts and feedback, and please leave them below. Have a connected day with your family.