“The only person you are destined to become is the person you
decide to be.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882); Philosopher, Poet,
Author, Essayist
Living in a reactionary pattern of crisis-of-the-moment management
has the unpleasant side effect of distracting us from making the most of our
unscheduled time.
When the day’s demands lift, we’re all too happy to flop down
and look for a little mindless recovery. On one hand, it’s understandable: Our
brains need a break! On the other, we may be missing out on a great
opportunity.
In life, there are activities which recharge us mentally and
physically. Generally speaking, reality television and involved political
arguments on Facebook are not. But activities like brisk walks, reading imaginative
fiction, and building a couch cushion fort with your kids can be.
Who we become has more to do with what we choose to do with our
unstructured time than it does our “must do” time. What you decide to do in
this time will shape your character and the quality of your life far more than
you might think. The easiest thing in the modern world is to ride a tide of
distraction. With a little discipline, though, we can live a life of intent.
So how do we develop a practice of living with intent? Here’s a
tip: Look at your schedule for the week and identify a few times when you’re
most likely to have unstructured time. Now, structure it a little. Don’t build
yourself a fresh fortress of to-do lists, but make a plan to pursue something
that recharges you and reinforces the direction you want to go.
I think if you practice this tip for mindful living you’ll find
the truth at the heart of the Emerson quote.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Valerie McConville, REALTOR®
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