Define Work

Here's a provocative concept... define work. Work as listed in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary,  to perform or carry through a task requiring sustained effort or continuous repeated operations, and/or to exert oneself physically or mentally especially in sustained effort for a purpose or under compulsion or necessity. Or In physics, work is defined as a force causing the movement — or displacement — of an object.  

Most of my life I have enjoyed and pursued work for the feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction that I received from such tasks. I was born with an innate ability to create, to express myself through art, and to teach others this process as well. I consider all of this work... I love work. 
Now comes the tricky part. While creating, my mind, body and soul are working simultaneously to the best of my ability, in order to express an idea, a thought, a concept and/or  hypothesis. This flows out in the form of a painting, a drawing, a sculpture, a lesson plan and etc. 
The beauty of being born on the planet Earth is that we all carry our own unique take or vision on existing life.  This vision comes forth through creative work...if pursued. There lies the key... not everyone pursues creativity through tasks which might include writing, painting, speaking, dancing, and other endeavors. Creative tasks could include the building of objects, cooking of meals, and sharing of stories. Creative tasks are genuine work. 
Some believe that work has to hurt, that work is back-breaking, that work is the ultimate sacrifice in order to feed your family. But it is my firm belief that all work can become a creative endeavor if you enjoy it, if you allow your own unique personality to develop through work and thus allow positive, creative sparks to grow. 
Now if we apply this concept to art, questions begin to appear. Define work... Art? Is art considered work? "Art, you say, is not necessary" (I would beg to differ), "Art is just a hobby that should be given away" (I would beg to differ), "Art is something that children enjoy while they are young" (I not only beg to differ but refuse to grow up), and etc. 
Art exists in all forms around us inspiring us to grow in our creative process. Art stimulates the brain and boosts invention, morale and imagination which leads to some pretty productive work on our planet. 
Art is Work.....

Annie