Running around definitely adds to the tension in your body. Most people have too much on their plate when it comes to schedules. Some don't have enough, but most have too much. Especially those in the 25-50 age range who are trying to balance jobs, kids, parents, homes, relationships, and other obligations. We can do it all, just not always at once.
Why can't we say no to things that are not essential at this point in our lives? We need to sometimes take a step back and reassess our lives. Are we happy? Are we being effective with the time we have? Are we utilizing our time in a way that allows us to enjoy life? Are we spending time with those we care about? Are we spending it on activities we really want to do?
People talk about a mid-life crisis happening around 40-50, but I think some experience it even younger now. It doesn't have to be a crisis, it can be more of a step back, a break, a reassessment if you will. We don't need to make major changes if we catch it soon enough. We designed the life we have; we just didn't realize as we were building it that it would become too heavy and weigh us down. That's when people start talking about fantasies of running away, living on an island, getting out of marriages, or how life will be once the kids move out. Some look to affairs, which don't carry the weight of commitment or the expectations or hurts often accumulated in marriages. It's not our spouses, kids or parents that are the problem; it's us. We need to check in with and find where we lost touch with ourselves and our deepest needs and desires.
When we can lighten our schedules and spend some time thinking of how we want to spend our time, we can make changes without hurting those around us. It really isn't about them. It's us. Sometimes we do find that we are in situations that are not healthy for us, such as a relationship, a job, a financial state or lifestyle that is weighing us down. But if we're too busy, we won't clearly see what needs to change.
Action
Look at your schedule and the way you do things in your daily life. See what can be shifted or eliminated to give you free time, then use that time to reassess how you are living your life. Start adding in fun things you like to do to start balancing out your life. But always keep some space, so you are not running around. At the end of my life, I'd like to say that I left the world a better place but also that I really enjoyed my time here. Are you enjoying your time?
AGREED - I like to all it "Clearing the Desk". Imagine how good it would feel if you went on vacation - left home the mobile smart phone - and actually enjoyed our time away - does anyone do this anymore - look at people ta dinner - great food on the table and everyone is on a smart(DUMB)phone!!
ReplyDeleteTo the point - imagine coming back from vacation and having 2000 emails - and simply SELECT ALL - DELETE - I saw a friend do it when he went awayf ro a month and I watched and WOW was it liberating - just delete the distractions out of your life- become stress free - I am going to try!!!!