Editor’s Note: This article spoke to me and is so well written that I had to share it with readers – LMS
By Shari L. Gallup
If I had my life to live over again, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I know of a very few things I would take seriously. I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers and watch more sunsets. I would do more walking and looking. I would eat more ice cream and fewer beans. I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones…. Oh, I’ve had my moments; and if I had it to do over again, I’d have more moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day….
Brother Jeremiah
How many of us are like Brother Jeremiah? Nearly half of Americans feel they don’t have enough time to do what they really want. They feel as though they’ll never catch up, that life is passing them by – or running them over. If you’re like most Americans, your days are probably scheduled down to the last minute: rush to the grocery store, pick up the children or grandchildren, take care of an elderly parent or neighbor, make dinner, and then begin plotting the next day’s agenda. No time left for appreciating a beautiful sunrise, browsing a card/book store, appreciating the first bite of gourmet ice cream, or pampering yourself with an aromatherapy bath.
Work stress has probably received more attention from work-family researchers than any other job condition. Job stresses have an impact on families when they cause some experience of stress within the individual, such as emotional distress, fatigue, a sense of conflict between work and family roles, or role overload.
According to a recent review of the research done during the last 10 years, demands of multiple roles have the potential to increase stress levels and undermine well-being as well as compromise health.
We’ve all been there from time to time. But making an effort to enjoy life’s little moments simply means taking the time to stop and smell the roses. The secret is in slowing down long enough to enjoy the things that are the essence of life. After all, quality time is what makes life worth
living.
If you are ready to slow down and start savoring life, here are a few easy steps to get you started in simplifying your life:
Turn off the TV. We waste too much time sitting in front of the TV. Count how many hours the TV is on. And before you pick up the remote control, ask yourself if there are activities to share with the family
Commit to number one. When the demands of work, parenthood, or household chores get you down, it’s time to schedule a date with yourself. Whether it’s every Sunday night or 20 minutes each morning, the important thing is to make some time for yourself.
Find a sanctuary. Maybe it’s your bathtub or under a tree. Give yourself permission to enjoy a peaceful place and escape.
Be spontaneous. Every once in a while, a change in routine can spark your spirits and your energy.
Listen to your body. You know what your biological clock prefers. Take care of it and watch your productivity grow.
Learn to say “no.” Don’t overload your schedule with more tasks, more jobs, and more volunteer time. It’s OK to say no.
Enjoy the “life savors.” The gift of life is realized one brief moment at a time.
Source: OSU Extension Service
