Making Time for Things That Matter

Photo by Juan Croatto at stock.xchng.

I think part of embracing a simple lifestyle is making room in your life for things that matter most. This “matter most” obviously has a different definition for each individual.

Personally, I’m still trying to define this for myself. I know I love reading and writing. But I also love making music. However, it’s been weeks since I sat down at the piano to play and I think I’ve strummed the guitar once this year.

Recently, I’ve also had a strong urge to join the choir at our church. I keep thinking: “Is this really going to simplify my life?” Well, not in the sense that I now have made a commitment to be somewhere one evening a week. However, I know it will be a time of rejuvenation and enjoyment. In addition, I’d like to think that I’m offering my voice as a service to the church.

I also want to make time to give back to the community. This would most likely have to happen on the weekend. Can I really add more activities to the weekend and not burn out? Perhaps once a month, to start with.

It’s an interesting balancing act, this making time for things that matter. It’s important to take a look at where you spend your time. Maybe if I spent less time on social media I would have time to volunteer somewhere? Or is there a way I can become more efficient at work? For example, processing email in batch is a huge time-saver. Avoiding unnecessary meetings is another good productivity trick.

The bottom line is that we only have one life and we need to make the most of it. In this over-programmed world, it is important to reevaluate our activities on a regular basis and free ourselves of those things that keep us from the things that matter. Just say, “Enough already!” and get that guitar off its stand.

And play like there’s no tomorrow.