I had the pleasure of knowing a lady who had this special presence about her—she never seemed rushed or distracted.  She confessed she hadn’t always been like that. She used to work around the clock. Her husband, who made enough to support the family, encouraged her to retire or find a less demanding position. Even though her busy schedule was harming her health, she resisted. Her loving husband— desperate to help her—painted a morbid picture. He said that she would work herself to death if she continued doing what she had been doing. 

Deep down, she knew he was right. Her endless hours on the job were taking a toll on her body and her relationships with loved ones. Ironically, she could have also done better work if she hadn’t put her health at the bottom of her priority list. She pictured her tombstone reading,“She was a really hard worker.” While this seems dramatic, it was the wake up call she needed. 

Many of us are really busy—even if we aren’t working. I know many retirees who have schedules that are packed to the brim. 

Being busy isn’t necessarily good or bad. What matters is how you are spending your time. Are you spending time on things that are actually important to you—things that help you have more good days? Or are your days filled with busywork—things that don’t serve you or those you care about?

I encourage you to reevaluate how you’re spending your time. Maybe you realize that you can find a better use of the hour or two you spend each week following celebrity gossip. Maybe you realize that watching people cook on television has led you to mindlessly eat in front of the TV instead of inspiring you to cook a special meal. Maybe you realize that spending all of your time caring for others has left you depleted, and it’s time to dedicate some time caring for yourself too.

You may find that you’re able to make more time to exercise, prepare dinner, or sleep when you let go of some of the unnecessary things clogging up your schedule.

Thanks for reading. I hope you have a safe and healthy week.