“Life is easy and we make it hard.” My friend, Chere Bork of Savor Your Life Today, reminds me of that frequently. As I’ve considered her statement, here’s what I’ve learned:
- “Easy” isn’t the same as “trouble-free.”
- It is easier to state my priorities than to actually live my priorities.
- It is possible to create a life that doesn’t feel like I’m slogging through a mud hole as soon as I get out of bed!
Not enough room for the “Yes’s!”
My natural inclination is to say “Yes, I can do that!” Too many times. And then what happens? There isn’t enough room for all the “Yes’s!” My priorities get out of alignment, my stress increases, and my joy evaporates.
What matters?
Several years ago I realized I was tired of being tired. It was time to consider what really mattered in my life and make some changes. I searched my emotions, my soul, and my heart. My top five priorities? Faith, my relationship with my husband, family, work, and using my gifts to contribute to the greater good. In that order.
Then I did the litmus test. When I evaluated where my time and energy were being spent, it was really messed up. Work always showed up first, followed by volunteer activities. That just wasn’t right. So I made the necessary changes (or, I transformed, as SheTaxi writer Susan Hayes would say!). Some changes were big, like quitting a great corporate job and starting my own business. Others were incremental (not working on Sundays, reducing my volunteer commitments, scheduling time during the day for my mom).
Celebrate what matters most
My decision to transform and celebrate how I live my life brought greater peace and joy, better health, stronger relationships, and greater professional success. It started with getting clearer on what matters most. It is sustained by celebrating what matters most. Friday evenings at Barnes & Noble with my husband is a lot more fun than working!
Life can be easy. I don’t want to make it hard. Celebrate what matters most.
About Gaye Lindfors
Loved what Gaye had to say!
Gaye: Hope your younger readers pay attention to this blog. Many of us waste a lot of years not living intentionally. Best. Lynn
Thank you, Julie!
And yes, Lynn, I agree with you. We learn some of our best lessons as we move through life. We can model what living intentionally looks like for those who come after us!
I love this idea, “Celebrating what matters most”! I am going to be trying to do this day by day (sometimes minute by minute??) — Thanks, Gaye!
As a teenager, I am starting to grow up and make bigger and more important decisions. Where am I going to go to school? What kind of career do I want to pursue? This blog reminded me to keep my values in check and to remember what really matters. This will help me make good decisions that bless others, glorify God, and make me happy. Thank you for this wonderful reminder, Gaye!