The Devil Wears Prada

Last night, Catriona and I were watching a DVD called – ‘the Devil Wears Prada’. It is a classic comedy drama with a happy, romantic ending. Meryl Streep plays an excellent part – that of powerful and demanding editor of a top flight fashion magazine – who has an unrealistic work ethic both for herself and her staff.

And it made me think of a chance comment I overheard at a speaking engagement recently. It was a reference made about a head teacher, who was so demanding that his staff seldom stayed for longer than necessary. They certainly did not seem to hold him in high regard or with fond memories. He was unmarried and oblivious to the home life of his colleagues; who had family commitments and had been heard to say on more than one occasion, when remonstrating with his staff, ‘Your work comes first…’

How do feel about that statement? Have you ever encountered this sentiment? Do you think it is a valid stance to take?

For time to time, our lives can go off balance. Occasionally, we may have to alter our compass. It is in such situations, I believe, that it is important to establish what I refer to as ‘vertical alignment or… VA’. My personal alignment is

1. my spiritual self
   
2. my family
   
3. my work

The Oxford Dictionary’s definition of spiritual is: of the soul or spirit. Wikipedia’s explanation adds: the "path", "work", practice, or tradition of perceiving and internalising one's "true" nature and relationship to the rest of existence

My alignment of spiritual, family, work is my default. And with this as my moral and life compass I can confidently go off road when a situation arises; secure in the knowledge that my VA will kick back in when my life attack is over. You may be thinking…life attack?…well the things happen to us all that can take over our lives for a period of time such as illness, marriage, death, birth, career and work pressures. If you have a solid foundation in your VA then you will cope much better when life attacks besiege you. You will have a safety net in your VA and it will return you to a solid and familiar routine that will comfort, satisfy and support all your needs.

As someone who works within the wellbeing arena…. and also because it is Sunday and a day to reflect and contemplate, May I ask you another series of questions?

1. Have you taken time to consider your own vertical alignment?
   
2. What is important in your life?
   
3. Have you got this set as your personal default?