A Romance Author’s Quest to Get Fit on the Cheap
5 Ways to Enjoy Your Life More
And stop wondering where all of your time is going.
Yesterday morning, I was reminded once again of how short life is. Of how unexpectedly the time you thought had left can be over. So, I’m doing what I always do when something hurts and I don’t want to deal with it. I’m trying to lose myself in words.
If you’ve been following my blog from the beginning (thank you for sticking around for more than a decade!), you will have read tributes for my daughter, my dad, and at least a couple of other family members and/or friends. It’s just what I do, I guess.
Times like this also remind me that we need to live our lives. And to live them well.
Is there really such a thing as a second chance to get something right?
No one knows for sure (that I’ve been able to find anyway) who said, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
Maybe it appeals to the writer in my, but I like it more than the whole second chance thing. We can’t go back and change something we should have done, or undo something we shouldn’t have done. But we can move forward from where we are – and try to do better.
How do we do that?
I suspect that many people in the world are just like me – overwhelmed with information coming at us from every direction. And buying into the lie that in order to live a fulfilling life, we need to cram everything we can into every available minute of every day.
One thing we can do is to make a list of everything we do, cross off everything that wastes our time and energy, and then focus on what’s left. On the things that are the most important to us.
It sounds easier than it actually is because there are so many things trying to steal our attention from what really matters. But if what really matters is truly a priority, we must find a way. If we don’t, irreplaceable hours of our lives will disappear, leaving behind a world of regrets.
What does a priority list look like?
That’s easy…
- Step away from the electronics. That means phones, tablets, computers, game devices, and televisions. Technology is harming lives, relationships, health, and more. (read about that here). Spend less time in the virtual world and more time in the real world!
- Eat healthier foods. I’m not suggesting you go full on vegetarian or carnivore, but if you look at your diet, you know there are changes you could make. Eating healthier will make you feel better, and when you feel better, you enjoy life more!
- Get more sleep. Very few people need to fill every minute of every day with something. Technically, no one does. This article talks about how sleep deprivation affects job performance. But you know what? Sleep deprivation affects every area of our lives. It’s hard to be our best, and to give our best, when we’re perpetually exhausted.
- Move. And I don’t mean move to a new home. I mean move the ‘home’ YOU live in. Move your body. I’ve read enough in the past few years that I’ve decided the Pomodoro Technique is going to be my go-to fitness program. Many experts think moving for several minutes every hour (or half hour) is better than one longer chunk of exercise each day. So do I. In fact, I like to use it outside of my work hours too. I like to alternate range of motion stretches, walking in place – or around the house – while doing arm exercises with light weights, and quick cleaning jobs. The more physically fit and limber you are, the better you feel … and the more you will enjoy life.
- Find a hobby you love – and spend time enjoying it. Hobbies you love can help reduce stress and depression, and make you feel better and happier with life.
I know I said I was going to keep this part of my life confined to ‘The God Thing’ page, but this suggestion can also help you enjoy life more. Find a church home with people who feel like a family. It really does make a difference.
A reluctant goodbye to a man who loved life – and his family.
The moment Jesus ushered you into heaven this morning, you left behind a world of pain and sickness – and for that, I’m grateful. But you also left behind many, many people whose hearts are broken. Hearts that will always hold memories of you close. Hearts that will love you forever. I know the family members who got there first are rejoicing over the reunion, but those of us still here miss you, Uncle Dave. We always will.
