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Abstract

Many clients struggle with overload from competing life demands such as work and family responsibilities. 'Balance' has been the predominant metaphor advanced to cope with this zero-sum battle. A different, music-based metaphor, where the individual is the composer and conductor of his or her life symphony, is proposed. The goal then becomes the ability to provide for and nurture one's family in harmony. Applying this harmony metaphor to both work and family relationships illuminates how one's life at work can contribute to one's life at home and vice versa. Eight specific suggestions are offered for counselors and therapists to help achieve life harmony: (l)create energy, (2)carpe diem: seize quality time, (3)bundling: do two or more things together in harmony, (4 )focus on one thing at a time, (5)be flexible at work, (6 )take care of yourself: eat, sleep, and be merry, (7)simplify your life, and (8)create harmony at home.

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