Wednesday, May 31, 2006
priorities
why are we time strapped? because it is easy to fall into the over scheduling trap? because we can't say no to anything? because we live to be unhappy? i think that it is priorities. we don't prioritize what is really important to us- hopefully that is relationships with loved ones, but maybe not. taking stock in our lives and a little introspection would help us on our way to leading happier, more fulfilled lives. realizing that spending more time with your significant other and/or children is more important than countless overtime or soccer games or shopping is the first step towards time management. i found it helpful to ask myself- "how is this going to impact me in ten years?" if the answer was- it won't- i could put it lower on the list. i 'retired' from employment outside the home a little over a year ago and i have never been happier. i realize that not everyone has that luxury but it was what i needed to become a whole person again. i have been able to spend time with my ailing mom- who will not be with us forever- and form a bond with my sister that has never been there before. my marriage has never been better- and hey- the cats are happy too. i know my lifestyle is drastic but each of us could prioritize better- unless the big house, suv, music lessons, shopping trips, etc really are more important than people.
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6 comments:
I think maybe we have so much more "to do" today, i.e. available options. When I was a kid, I grew up on 160 acres of rocks, sand and hills, optimistically called a farm. We worked our asses off, all of us. We were definitely "poor" on any scale used; yet it took until well into my adulthood to realize that, because I was content, well fed, and housed. "Options" were scarce. I played basketball on the school team; that was a really big deal, we went to church (forced), and when we really went "all out" we were taken to see a National Geographic special playing (free for poor people, but I didn't know it then) at the local movie theater. All us kids pretty much thought we lived like Kings for the most part.:) It was unthinkable not to pay a visit to our neighbors three miles down the road once a week, like clockwork. I personally believe contentment runs 180 degrees opposite to possessions available to us. More we have....more we bitch to put it plainly!:)
I think there are two ways people find happiness : A, earn money an buy consumer items ie' TV's which make them happy or
B: have the personality that means you are happy in fundamental things, like being with somebody that you like. One is easy, on is hard.
Explains why money is a stature symbol - hence, awhat a female looks for in a man, its easier than actually being happy.
I'm full of theories.
Good stuff Betmo.........
There are two words I don't use in my everyday existance. One is vacation. When I went somewhere, it was being on an adventure or having an experience. I was living and experiencing life as I try to do in any environment I'm in.
The other is retirement. I'll always work, and work hard at whatever I do. I want to believe I'm putting forth effort when I go to the grocery, get gas or sit around and drink coffee. You see, I don't mind work, it's employment that I can't stand.
I have some stuff. But money or what money buys makes my life more comfortable, but I know better than to think this is happiness. Looking into any of my Grandchildren's eyes is happiness. And when I remember that people love me, I am happy.
Don't get me wrong. I am not so well layed out that I am this content soul that doesn't suffer. I 'try' to think and live this way and sometimes fail miserably. I get depressed. I want things I can't afford. But overall, I know the difference between give and take and since I learned how to forgive, I know what love is. And it is peace.
Thanks for being here.
I still work and do the "schedule" thing. I have my little "routine" everyday...get up, feed the dog, feed me, get ready to go to work, drive 1/2 hr. to 45 min. to work, spend 8 hours there, then either workout, do appointments, or whatever and drive all the way back home. But with all this, I am still able to be close to my family. I feel that is a blessing!
i think that the key is balance. it's ok to work or be employed(i agree spadoman about employment)and it's ok to enjoy the fruits of your labors. i think most people lose sight of what is important in their never ending quest for more. one car is not enough- gotta have 2- or the latest model- or a sports car. people don't realize that contentment can come from a new game or watching the wind blow in a summer storm. it's all what you make it. it is unfortunate that so many feel consumerism and 'keeping up with the joneses'is the path to happiness. they are really missing out. i agree with UA- perhaps the overwhelming number of choices has made us numb to the simpler things in life.
I'm at the point now that even though I have my schedules and routines, I am starting to enjoy the simpler things in life more than I did. I mean, I'm still a young 35, but I'd rather start enjoying those types of things now rather than later. I think it makes life more fulfilling, if you will?
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