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A few weeks ago, I went down the proverbial rabbit hole.

My niece mentioned visiting a record store, and suddenly my sister and I were reminiscing:
“Do you remember that record Mom used to play—the one with the black background and the man’s face with the thick beard?”

I could picture it instantly. The font. The mood. The voice. I couldn’t remember the name. Days passed before it came to me—Demis Roussos.

That moment of recall sent me spiraling through memories of my childhood home, full of music and curiosity. My mother loved art and history from every corner of the world. My sister played the piano; I played the violin. We’d perform at recitals twice a year, nervous but proud. Music was woven into everything we did.

That rediscovery led me to another memory—Depeche Mode.

When I found out a tribute band, Strangelove: The Depeche Mode Experience, was performing nearby, my husband, sister, and I bought tickets.

Now, my husband’s taste leans more toward David Byrne, Audioslave, Paul Simon, and Bob Marley—he’s been to just about every rock concert Miami offered in the ’80s. I, on the other hand, grew up watching MTV when it was new—when Nina Blackwood introduced us to a whole new visual language of music.

In the days leading up to the concert, something unexpected happened: I felt lighter at work. My creativity sharpened. My energy returned. Tasks that once felt routine suddenly felt inspired.
That’s when it hit me—this is what work-life balance really means.

Not a checklist. Not a slogan. But rediscovering the things that ignite your joy outside of work—and letting them refuel your spark inside it.

The concert was electric. They looked and sounded just like the real Depeche Mode. And I loved their opening act, Ordinary Boys. For one night, time folded in on itself. I was back in my room as a teenager, getting ready to go out, feeling the excitement of possibility. Life felt simple again.
And yes, my husband—ever the music critic—enjoyed himself too, even if he had to broaden his definition of “really good music.”

Work-life balance isn’t about escape. It’s about return—returning to what makes you feel alive.
So as we close the year, I’m making space for the things that truly move me.

Less talking about balance. More living it.

🎧 Because sometimes, the best way to recharge your professional drive… is through the music that first moved your soul.

#WorkLifeBalance #Creativity #MindfulnessAtWork #Motivation #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration