I was reminded this morning how fragile and short life can be. I think sometimes we forget. This morning, after a year of battling cancer, the father of an old friend of mine passed away. I can't even imagine how my friend, and his family must feel. After hearing the news, I started to think about our constant battle with the clock.
One of my biggest fears is running out of time.
Side note to self: I wonder if this is why I don't wear a watch. When I say that I mean in all aspects of that statement--being late to appointments, finishing tasks within the prescribed deadlines, time here on Earth, finding the time to call and write to those I care about, getting home in time to take care of Bella's needs, time to volunteer, enough hours on my timecard, even the time to write this blog... The list goes on!
Our lives our so fast paced and busy these days that it's difficult to find the time to do the things we intend to, like keeping in touch with each other, and just spending more time living each day thankful that we are still here. It's often the case that we all simply manage through our own routines of work, bills, errands, and chores (all of which do have to get done).
Oftentimes, I'll regretfully realize that I put limits on myself with what I have time for. Sometimes it's at the expense of my laundry that is waiting patiently in the hamper to be washed, and other times it's at the expense of family and friends that want to see me. It's difficult to strike that perfect balance of managing it all, but I think a few things are key:
1) Being aware of what is important, and what can wait.
2) Taking time for yourself.
3) Being spontaneous and not always being tied down to a routine or schedule (this one is really difficult for me personally. I always want a plan!)