Time is one commodity I treasure.
As we trudge through the years, time becomes more valuable. In spite of complaining that it passes too swiftly, I have been guilty of wasting lots of it on grumbling, watching junk TV, being ungrateful, and trying to change things beyond my control.
What I spend valuable time on has changed as I’ve aged. I used to spend a ton of time gossiping, seeking revenge, smoking, shopping, and watching a bunch more junk TV than I do these days. In addition, I have throughout the years wasted time trying to change the behavior of others. Hear my dramatic sigh as I say, unfortunately, some things never change. But that’s a story for a different time.
My Time
If I were to name five things that I make time for that enhance my life, I’d say:
- Writing
- Spending time with friends
- Reading
- Expanding my knowledge via classes, talks, seminars, etc.
- Therapy and all that encompasses
I’ve not shared that last one with too many people. But, therapy takes a lot of time. I don’t just go in once a week, talk to my therapist and, bang! all is well. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way. All the time I spend directly and indirectly related to improving myself in this way is worth it though!
If I were to name five things that I make time for that don’t enhance my life, I’d have to admit to:
- That lingering habit of trying to change things (and people!) beyond my control
- Worrying
- Researching recipes – when I don’t cook very much
- Berating myself when I ignore the five things, listed above, that enhance my life
- Not listening when I think I know the answer
I love the saying (whether Buddha said it or not): Our greatest mistake is thinking we have enough time. At seventy, I can’t ignore that I don’t have gobs of time to waste. I don’t think I need to be perfect in how I always spend my time, but I’d really like to give up worrying and trying to control. I’ll keep the recipe researching time because it’s harmless and fun.
What about you?
What do you make time for? What are five things that you make time for that enhance your life? And, what are five things that don’t?
Ah, ha! Another recipe collector! I cut oodles of them out of magazines, newspaper, and then every 3 months throw them all away, as I face the reality that putting together a meal for family is always a trip to CostCo. I remember the days when I baked, made my own bread and yogurt. Talk about not having time, I have none for these simpler things. Am I wasting my time? I think so some times, but wherever the time goes, I think it’s mostly in pursuit of things I want to do, and the obligations I have in life that can’t be changed. Speaking of “can’t be changed,” the hardest is trying/not trying to change others!!!
Thank you for reminding me, Christine, that I learned some of the basics of cooking from you nearly 50 years ago in Berkeley.
Like you, the “…pursuit of things I want to do…” is my goal, and my obligations are mostly self-imposed. Control of any given situation or person remains one of my major time-wasting holes.
Thanks for posting!