Do you wish you could better define your time?

How is it possible that it can feel like life is going by slowly and quickly at the same time? Time is a hot commodity. It can be the thing that we need more of in order to find a solution or a cure. It's the thing we need to use wisely in order to get our projects done and be able to meet our deadlines. It's the balance we need to find between working, stressing, and relaxing. It's the thing we often need to remind ourselves to take more of for ourselves. 

In a world where people seek instant gratification and being able to get anything at the click of a mouse and a solid Internet ... ultimately time is the one thing we cannot buy.

There are days when we'd like to slow time down; like when watching our children grow up. There are moments when we wish time would stand still; watching them sleep peacefully in their crib and not having any worries.

Then there are the days when we wish time would travel a little faster; usually when we're waiting on a test result or getting a decision back on something we've been waiting for.

What would you do if you knew exactly how much time you had? Would the amount of time you have change how you live your life? Would it affect the choices and decisions you make?

What would you do if you could acquire more time? Would you finally finish something you've been putting off for 'some day'?

What if we worried less about living for tomorrow and started living more for today? What if we procrastinated less and re-prioritized our lives more so that the amount of time we actually have wouldn't dictate to us what to do and when? What if we started living each day as if it were our last and we had fewer regrets?

What do you wish you could move to the top of your list? 

What would make you feel more fulfilled?

Finding Peace Amidst The Chaos

Life can get pretty crazy; lately that seems to be just about every day. You may go to bed at night and think, 'Whew! I made it through all the curve balls today. Tomorrow has to be better.' Then you wake up the next morning to a whole new batch of craziness. Today's world is filled with chaos, distractions, mixed emotions, loads of responsibilities, and lots of questions - many without answers.

We're still dealing with a pandemic, a presidential election that is less than four weeks away, and enough hatred and bitterness on social media to make a person's head swim. While things are changing every day and I want to be kept in the loop and up to date, there are days I want to stick my fingers in my ears like a ten year old and start humming loudly so I don't have to listen to any more.

How is the chaos affecting you? 

Have you been sleeping less? Is your appetite off? Do you find yourself short-tempered for no apparent reason? Do you feel anxious or depressed? Are you battling more headaches than usual? Do you feel like your shoulders are raised up closer to your ears? 

Here's the bigger question ... what have you found helps you to feel some small degree of peace amidst the chaos?

Do you listen to music? I have my car radio tuned in to the KLove station so it's the first thing I hear as I leave my house. Then I listen to it on my computer at work. Some days are too quiet and it makes me feel less alone. Some people relax with yoga or meditation. Many people take a walk. Last weekend I was able to visit my son and his family; my granddaughters make me laugh which always helps. My newest distraction is my boss bringing his puppy to the office. Oh how that little happy fluff ball can make me smile; I've found that puppy therapy has proven to be very beneficial.

I hope you are able to find some peace in these crazy times. Just remember, the weight of the world wasn't meant to be carried alone. We need to make it a point to be there for each other. Forget picking sides and drawing lines in the sand. Ask a friend to go for a walk. Bake some cookies and drop a plate off to your neighbor. Text or call your family just to say hi. We don't have to do it all alone.