Mine Not Yours

Choice is one of my favorite subjects to discuss. I see making choices as being actively involved in my life rather than plodding along waiting to see what happens. My choices may not always be popular, but they are mine. There are those who attempt to force us to choose what they want rather than what is right for us. One word describes those people, selfish.

Yes, I’ve made choices based on emotion in attempts to please others only to find those choices were wrong. The funny thing is I knew when I made the choice it was wrong, as I felt discomfort internally and did it anyway. The irony of choice is that it sets up a situation for making another. Everything we say or do in life comes down to a choice. We choose our mates, careers, what to eat, and we choose how to react/respond to the daily challenges of life. I see choice as a never-ending event, and the choices I make are mine not yours. Own your choices and watch how things change around you.

Why Wait?

Spring-cleaning is the traditional annual event for clearing out items no longer needed, used, or wanted. I work to keep a spring-cleaning mentality going year-round by getting rid of emotional and mental things like less than good memories of the past, a grudge, or ill feelings in the heart from conflicts and arguments. Like the stuff in your house, the clutter does nothing but take up valuable room in your heart and head where you could be storing better and more positive memories.  Sure, there are unpleasant experiences and events in our lives which leave a mark, but we choose how long to hold it all. Letting go does not minimize or diminish the memories or their importance in your life at the time, it simply means you are not letting them define you any longer.

There are many ways to keep the heart and head clutter to a manageable level. For me, I write, meditate, read, pray, and talk. Those tools work for me. There are lots of other ways to work with it, but the important thing to remember is to use whatever tools help you. Don’t let the heart and head clutter build up. Engage in spring-cleaning year-round; it does indeed make a difference. So, get that spring clinging going right now!

Just a Reminder - Revisited

I wrote this one in 2010, and it’s in my first book, The View From A Different Angle. It still pops up in memories a few times a year. Remember, it’s Just A Reminder.

I received a card in the mail the other day from my eye doctor, and the title was Just A Reminder.  It was a reminder to schedule my annual exam. As I looked at the card, I began to think we all need “just a reminder.”

Just a reminder – you are someone’s gift.

Just a reminder - there are people that love you so let them.

Just a reminder - you matter and make a difference.

Just a reminder – you have purpose even though it may not be obvious.

Just a reminder - you have a choice on what to do with your energy each day.

Just a reminder - people are placed in our lives for a reason.

Just a reminder - you can change the world with your words.

Just a reminder - you can change someone’s day with just a smile and a hug.

Just a reminder - you contribute to the world around you even though you may not be able to see it.

Just a reminder - of what things are important in your life like your spirituality, family, friends, etc.

If you are reading this, it’s “just a reminder” that I’m thinking of you and am thankful you are in my life.

Priceless

My net worth is off the charts. No, I’m not talking about financial net worth. I’m talking about the value of my time. Time is the only thing I have that cannot be bought, repaired, or replaced. I’m very particular about my time when it comes to what I do, who I spend time with, and where I go. My Dad told me, “Rod, as I get older, I get more in touch with my mortality.”  At 63, I totally get it. Think about how collectors assign value to things like jewelry, art, or vintage cars. Like a one-of-a-kind piece of art, the value of my time continues to increase as I have less of it.

If you’re spinning your wheels wasting time in a dead-end job or unfulfilling relationship, take a moment to think about the value of your time. Think about the change it would make in your quality of life to have the right job and right relationship. Don’t be one of those people who end up on their deathbed wishing they had more time to do, insert subject.  Remember, time is priceless.