Dear Friends,
Do you ever start your day with an unrealistic list of things “to-do”?
Yesterday morning I had grand plans, as usual, for how much I would get done. Imagining myself “catching-up” on the many to-dos that sometimes plague me.
Not only would I get through my hundreds of emails, I would also write those letters, skim a couple of books, plan and cook food for the week, run errands and have some fun too.
What I actually did was even better. I went out for a leisurely breakfast with my husband, Colin, and then worked with him in the yard. We picked blackberries. As I brought them into the house, I decided to make jam. Then I made 11 cans of apple butter with the bowl of apples picked last week.
Finally, I created labels for the jars of goodies, which are now holiday-gift ready. The whole process took hours but was deeply satisfying. For those who know me, this country-style domestic activity is not my norm!
Last night, Colin and I went outside to watch the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks tonight. We saw just a few of the spectacular meteors streaking through the sky. Tonight, we will spend more time staring at the stars. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, and away from excessive lights, you, too, can see the best meteor show of the summer.
None of these activities were on my to-do list, and as I lay down to sleep last night, I wondered if I had “wasted” the day. Absolutely not! How is it that we are so busy in life that spontaneous weekend days are few and far between?
Yesterday I connected with the rhythm of the Universe—both the Earth and the sky—honoring the cycles of Mother Nature, which is new for me. It is harvest time, and for the first season ever I am preserving what I reap so I can share it throughout the year with family and friends.
Yes, the emails, action items and errands must be done, and they will, but not at the exclusion of connecting with loved ones and the natural flow of nature.
How can we connect, or reconnect, with what is really important? How can we enjoy life more?
- Take time to figure out what your own priorities are in life. You can download the PDF of my Weekly Guide for Soulful Living journal for free. It provides a step-by-step approach to discovering what is most important to you, and a path for integrating those things into your life.
- Pay attention to the seasons and engage with nature, wherever you live. There have been more days than I’d like to admit over the years where I have been too busy to take note of the weather, plants and animals around me, much less engage with them outside. For instance, you can take a walk around the neighborhood or go to a farmer’s market.
- Give yourself one day a week when you don’t HAVE to do anything on your list, or anyone else’s list. We all need a day of rest and rejuvenation. Name it and claim it before it slips away.
- Each morning, take a few minutes to sit quietly and think about how you want your day to go. Review what is on your schedule and imagine each activity happening as you would like it to. Consider, are you doing what you want and need to be doing to reach your goals? Or are you in autopilot, attending the meetings and needs of others?
- Schedule 30-60 minutes each day to do whatever it is that fills you up—take a walk, call a friend, do a hobby, write, cook, paint, exercise.
You deserve to enjoy your life!
Wishing you deep satisfaction,
Barbara
Barbara Fagan-Smith
CEO, ROI Communication
Chief Catalyst, Living ROI
P.S. Speaking of living well, I’m reading Marty Holleran’s new book Well Lived. It is a beautiful example of living with grace and character, through trials and triumphs. And it’s well written to boot! Marty was an executive at GE for many years, and a mentor to many other successful executives.
P.P.S. I created Living ROI as a passion, to share what I’ve learned and support others who want to live more authentic, joyful and fulfilling lives. Please visit our website.
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