Work-Life Harmony

A more realistic way to think about work and life.

A couple of weeks ago, my work took me to Lisbon. After a full day of meetings and conversations, I decided to walk to dinner instead of taking a car. I wanted to feel the city and take in the energy around me. Cities, after all, are best explored on foot.

On the way, I stopped under the Rua Augusta Arch just as a yellow tram passed by. I snapped a photo and shared it on Instagram with a simple caption: Work–Life Harmony.

I was there for work, surrounded by colleagues, fully engaged. At the same time, I was present in the moment, taking in the beauty of the city. That combination felt harmonious.

For a long time, we have been told to strive for work–life balance. The challenge is that balance implies equal weight at all times. Real life rarely works that way. There are seasons when work requires more of us, when we need to lean in and focus deeply. There are other moments when family, health, or something personal must take priority. Expecting everything to receive equal attention at the same time often leads to frustration.

Harmony, on the other hand, allows for movement. It acknowledges that priorities shift and that this is not only normal, but healthy.

I have been quiet on this newsletter, even though it matters deeply to me. This was simply a season where I leaned into other parts of my life. And now, I am back.

I like thinking about life as a wheel. Not one that needs to be evenly divided, but one made up of different parts that all belong. Work, health, relationships, family, learning, hobbies. The wheel keeps turning even when some parts take up more space than others. What matters is not symmetry, but continuity. That none of the parts disappear entirely. That there is harmony in the whole.

As we approach the end of the year, this is a natural moment to pause and reflect. What does this season of your life look like? Where is your energy naturally going right now, and does that feel aligned with what you value most?

There is a quote many of us know: You can have it all, just not all at once. I find comfort in that reminder.

Take what you need from this reflection. As you look back on 2025, ask yourself: what did harmony look like for you, and what do you want to carry into 2026?

Let’s grow. Intentionally. With curiosity.

— Arzu