1FaithfulWarrior – Joyfulliving.today

Time. Precious time. Our most valuable asset, yet the one most wasted. Ask most anyone what they would do if they could get a “do-over” and I bet you that the majority of people would say they would want to go back in time and spend it intentionally with someone they love, and lost.

It is the “everyday” life moments that seem to matter the most. Those little things that a loved one would do or say. A routine. A joke. A saying. A laugh. Holding hands. Relaxing. Playing board games. Snuggling. Sharing each other’s lives with complete vulnerability. A big long hug. A kind word. An, “I love you.” A kiss.

Time. Just one…more…time. If only I had more blessed time, I would…

How do you spend your prized and highly valuable time? Do you waste it?

I think that the most treasured “truth nugget” that I have learned over the years is that there is nothing more central to a balanced life than truly spending time with your family and the ones you love. It is about truly giving them your full attention and appreciation when you are with them. I know that sounds difficult. Trust me, I struggle with it too. Our phones are glued to our sides and there is a constant clammer from the outside world that “demands” our attention. That stuff really isn’t important though. No one – I mean NO ONE- is ever going to say, “I wish I spent more time on my work email. That really would have made a difference.” 

Time is what is most cherished. The little things that are the most important.

So why don’t most of us value it now? We waste so much of it doing things that don’t mean shit…all while the most invaluable asset depletes. You cannot get it back. You cannot buy it. You cannot trade it. Once it is gone, it is gone forever.

Whatever is distracting you from your family or the ones you love — PUT IT DOWN! 

Cherish those moments…those spectacularly irreplaceable points in time that you will never, ever get back. Take them all in. Hold them close to your heart. Guard them and don’t let the outside “demands” of the world distract you from spending your time wisely…filled with things that truly matter.

Be fiercely present and pay attention to those around you. Trust me, there is nothing…NOTHING more important.

#youarewelcome #love #time

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Let’s face it, we live in a world where many of us could work 80+ hours a week…and some do! Here are some things that I have done in business life that have helped me take back my life and my time.

When you read this, especially if you have a total A-Type personality like myself, they are going to sound nearly impossible to do. I assure you that they are possible. I have done them and I do them now. Take this advice to someone who has been both places. I wasted way too much time in my life until I started taking these important steps for balancing work and home life. 

1) Change your work and/or cell phone voicemail to state your hours and stick to them. Set your boundaries and expectations. If people know them ahead of time, they are okay with them. It is true.

For example, part of my work voicemail states that if you are calling after work hours or on the weekendsI will return your phone call the next business day. That saves me from having to answer my phone after 5 or on the weekends. Everyone understands.

2) Take your work email off of your phone.

This one about gave me a heart attack when I started doing it about a year ago…now it is one of the best things I have done for sure. It will save you so much anxiety from being able to “preview” things work-related when you are not at work.

3) Take your notifications off of your phone.

This was the other one that nearly caused me to pass out when I did it. After about 2 days though, it felt great. I don’t get notified when I get a text or email etc. I check them on MY terms when it is convenient for me. I realized that all of those notifications really used to stress me out and not seeing them pop up every 10 seconds has been a tremendous blessing. Trust me on this one.

4) When you are home, be home. Stop working. Go spend time with others. Real time.

Most days, I just plug my phone in when I get home unless I am playing music or chit-chatting with my family and friends who aren’t close. Otherwise, even though it is near me, it doesn’t mean I have to pay attention to it.

A funny thing happened when I started doing this…my production actually increased. The world didn’t end. I took my life back. When I worked, I worked and when I was done, I was actually done.

You won’t regret it. I promise.

Spend your time on what matters.