You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside. The enemy of the “best” is often the “good.”
~ Stephen R. Covey
I’ve been reading my 2011 blog book, remembering how crazy busy life was back then, and how I became intentional about showing things down.
That’s the year I finished writing my memoir, and—with the book completed and more free time on my hands—turned my attention toward quiet pursuits at home. I planted seeds in a little 4 x 4 vegetable plot and became smitten with gardening. I canned dill pickles and peaches; I bought a dehydrator and dried bananas, apricots, kale, and assorted other things. I began inhabiting my home and my life in a way I hadn’t for a long while, and began envisioning a future away from the busyness of corporate America where I could walk a slower pace and immerse myself in home-based things.
I realized, as I read yesterday afternoon, that today I am living the dream I had back then. That’s kinda cool. I was also reminded of the value there is in being intentional about a goal, and being willing to set some things aside in favour of other things.
I internalized Stephen Covey’s words that were pinned to the wall of my office cubicle for many years. They gave me the wisdom to set aside my fabric and quilting projects in favour of my laptop when I got serious about writing my book. They reminded me to set aside a book outline in favour of tending a garden and preserving summer’s bounty that first spring in retirement. They give me permission, as seasons and circumstances change, to put aside some things and pick up others.
(Oops. Backspace, backspace, backspace. I almost took this on a tangent about the folly in believing we can “have it all” and that wasn’t where I want to go this morning.)
Anyway, as we head into the final two weeks of this year I’m pondering what I might choose to put down or pick up in 2018 and I’m feeling blessed that I have the freedom—and wisdom—to make some of those choices. Life will throw some wild pitches my way in the coming year; of that I am certain. Still, I will always have the gift of free will and intention in some areas and that’s a priceless commodity.
It’s a good life; not always easy, but good, nonetheless.
# # #
Simple happy.
Leftovers in the freezer and a simple supper after a busy day.
Waking early.
Seasonal music specials on PBS.
A husband who puts clean sheets on the bed while I’m busy downstairs.
Road trips and conversation.
Life is all about the simple things. As God leads us through the struggles of daily living, we can rest in the simple things that He gives us (a husband who does the laundry while I visit Mom every Saturday-for many years)..
Ah yes. A husband who does laundry is most definitely a gift from God. I have one too. 🙂
That makes three!
You read my mind…I’m convinced of that. I was just thinking today, that I have the money saved…I should go to school full time for the next three semesters, get the degree, go for it, BANG! I could live safely for the next 2 or 3 years…or I could blow it and go for it. I am thinking ‘go for it.’
Karen, that’s exciting—and potentially life-altering. Good for you!