How much of your day is spent chasing tail? If your immediate thought was sex, I have in my office a really nice seat cushion with your name on it (smile). What I am talking about is when you chase your own tail and you never get anywhere. You just keep going around in circles chasing after pointless endeavors. When was the last time you weren’t focused on your finances, your weight gain, your hair loss, or other mind numbing ruminating thoughts that you daily obsess about? When was the last time you set aside all that negative thinking and just went out to enjoy the life you are living? When was the last time you actually had some FUN?
I have been known to focus so much on my company that weeks will go by before I realize how much time (and fun) has passed without my even being aware. Have you ever said, "Wow...it's already Friday?" or my favorite, "It's almost Christmas again?!" Recently, I spoke about how much money we throw away (Bread Spread, February 28, 2020), but how much time do you throw away just as carelessly. There's an old saying, "Time is money," and it is very true as any wasted time is time lost that could have resulted in your making more money. But we can't "make" more time. It is gone before we know it and we can't purchase, save, or invest to get more time. That is why we must take the time that we have and use it wisely.
I recently hired a consultant to help me get my business in order so I could "find" some more personal time in life. Doctor Bruce Parker (DrBruce@BruceParkerConsulting.com) showed me this photo of when he was a race car driver leading the race at Willow Springs race track in Southern California (photo). Of course I was very envious, but he told me I also need to pursue my passions and dreams outside of the business. Wise counsel indeed.
I love to hear my clients tell me how much their life is improving with the help of therapy and gaining a new perspective, "My life's getting brighter. I'm working toward a dream." This new paradigm of self-care, pursuing dreams and passions actually helps my clients heal from their past and look forward to their future. I often tell them, "Who do you WANT to be?" and offer that they can define themselves through their own definitions and not the labels of others. It reminds me of the nursery rhyme:
What are little boys made of? Snips and snails And puppy-dogs' tails That's what little boys are made of What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice And everything nice That's what little girls are made of.
So, boys and girls...What are YOU made of? Go out and find what makes you happy. Begin to have fun, live your life don't nearly survive it. Work hard yes, but then play just as hard. It's amazing how much better you'll feel and those around you will enjoy you so much more as well.
"But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God,
the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow."
James 1:17 (TLB)
Day 50: Fun