Catch it If You Can

It seems to escape us daily. We chase it intensely but can ever get our fill. Because it eludes us, the signs of its deficiency can be clearly seen in the shape of lack of sleep, broken promises made with good intentions and other insufficiencies. So, what is this precious commodity that we need more of so badly, but seem to have so little of? Maybe you guessed it by now. It’s TIME! The rush for it starts as soon as our feet hit the floor.

Running for Your Life

Because our use of time is pretty much already planned for the day, we zoom through each scheduled event or activity while at the same time thinking about the next thing we need to do. This means that our minds are not given wholly to what we are doing. For most of us, each day is a slurred hurried blur. This race for time can possibly set in motion serious complications that shows up in forms unlike itself. The throng materializes as stress, strokes, heart attacks, divorce, strained relationships, addictions and other health and relational issues.

Below the Surface

So, let’s look at this more deeply. We all have the same 24 hours per day. No one can boast that because of who they are, who they know or what they have, that they have more than others. It appears, then, that our problem is not with time at all. It is more, invariably the utilization of this time.

Fuzzy Vision

Our scurrying around, cramming as much as possible into its contained vial, prevents us from enjoying life, enjoying what we do, enjoying our family and more importantly enjoying ourselves. Ourselves, you say? Yes ourselves! If we fail to take good care of ourselves, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, then we will have a reservoir depleted of love, energy and concentration from which those around us can draw from. Shouldn’t we focus on what’s really important in this short-lived life we have?

It’s Worth It

After it’s all said and done, is it how much money we made, our title, our possessions, being on a certain committee or board that will determine how well we lived our lives? Isn’t it more important that we were at every game or recital, enjoyed our family and friends, helped the less fortunate (money is not the only way to help), practice self-care, show kindness to others and forgave those who wronged us?

What’s Your Pleasure?

It’s not how much we do in our lives that makes us who we are. It’s what we do with that life that determines the truth of who we really are. There’s an old saying, stop and smell the roses” and yet another one, “give flowers while a person is still living”. In our fair city of Jacksonville, there are numerous ways to relax and enjoy life. There are beautiful parks, the zoo, museums and a favorite of many and mine especially; the beach, just to name a few.

Price Too High

In this world of constant desire to be more, do more, have more and upgrade, we have paid a very high price for our endeavor to be successful. Some live in houses they can’t really afford, spend money they don’t have (credit cards), have a false responsibility to others (co-dependency), and are on a constant spiral to have what we don’t need.

Slow Your Row

Of course, we know there’s nothing wrong with having nice things. We have to remember though, that delayed gratification does not mean denied gratification. Yes, we should help others, but not at the expense of our health and peace of mind. Let’s rethink our views of what the “good life” is.

Easy Does It Now

Here’s an idea! Why don’t we try this instead? Slow down, downsize, practice self-care, enjoy family and friends! The fruit of these would be a long, health, happy and fulfilled life.

Copyright Jacquelyn Lott “All Rights Reserved”