Working With Your Hands

I have had the fortunate pleasure of being able to do many types of work.  I've hosted a game show on our local public access TV.  I've been an announcer for the largest Roller Derby League in the nation.  I've worked in the chocolate plant of one of the largest candy manufacturers in the nation.  I've led and started non-profits and I've had a few jobs where I've sat behind a desk and made a decent amount of money with great benefits. However, as fun as many of those jobs were, very few were satisfying.

Job Satisfaction Defined:

• Do you come home stressed or angry?
• Are you only there for the money, benefits and or prestige?
• Do dread going to work?

If you answered yes to any of those then you are not satisfied.

I used to think that if I had a job where I was able to help people change their life, to better it in some way then that would give me satisfaction.  Well, I've done that and it did not.

The last couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to work with my hands.  I've come home dirty, tired and woke up sore.  My knuckles are busted up and I've gotten a few bruises.  During this process I have discovered how much I missed it.  I didn't dread coming to work the next day.  I didn't go home stressing over issues.  I wasn't angry or upset.  In fact, I looked forward to it.

Working with your hands is an Antidepressant:

A simple search of the term "work with your hands" will result in several articles and studies that show this to be one of the best antidepressants you could ever use.  Now, understand that does not mean you have to be a mechanic or a carpenter.  It could be a hobby like doing crafts or baking.  But the bottom line is do.

But, I don't have the time.

Yes you do...you are just using it for something else.

I get it, you work 40 - 50 hours a week, you have kids and family obligations.  The last thing you want to do is come home and work.  Well, stop thinking of it that way.  Think of it as part of your personal development.  Take up a project, it doesn't have to be expensive.  It could be weeding your flower bed, cleaning/organizing the garage or a hobby.  The point is do something with your hands.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback on your own experience when it comes to working with your hands.

1 Thessalonians chapter 4 talks about finding satisfaction in our daily life and in verse 11 it says; "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands,".  

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