We are a culture of immediate gratification. "Let's get what we want when we want it." And that generally means now. Oh, and by the way, does it take effort too? Gee whiz.
Our impatience has run amok. Hurry to...hurry...so that...quick... I don't have time. It is exhausting just listening to it. Freeways packed, road rage has become a fact. People bottled up in their metal room we call a car, isolated, and eager to get somewhere as fast as possible.
There is a barrage of demands on us, and our time.
So with so little time, fix it for me now, don't make me wait.
Whewwww »» I need to meditate and take a breather! I am getting worked up just reading this!
Well, therein lies the rub. What exactly are you rushing to or from? What exactly is it that will really make you happy?
Relax; calm down...get thoughtful...for at least a minute or two! Where are you going? Or where are you leaving? Without intention and purpose we can be helter skelter with our time and energy. As we have no guarantee on how much time we actually have in this life, it might make sense to take a pause for the cause...and that would be you!
I have found there are two places to look when trying to determine where someone's values are. It is where they spend their time, and where they spend their money.
Say what you want, but actions and cash speak louder than your words.
And the real interesting thing is this....people can always reallocate both to match what they say is important. And it is the quality of the time, and the money spent that tells the real tale.
Two people, a married couple. Eating in the living room, with TV on and both holding their laptops. Working, emailing, whatever. Are they spending time together? Clearly they aren't spending with each other. They are simply co-existing. This is not what creates intimacy. And they wonder where the romance has gone. Or the kids have all the best stuff; you always bring gifts home from your trips. But did you make it to their last soccer game? Oh, sorry I missed it. But Mom got it on tape.
Come on......
What is the real value of time and money? How you spend it to reinforce your values, in a clear transparent way. If your words don't match your time investment, then beware...you are probably sending a very unintended message.
And here is a thought...while you may believe you have all the time in the world...guess what, you don't have anyway of knowing that. The only thing we know for sure is now. You may be able to earn more money, but you don't have anyway of earning more time. The best plan is to make the most of each minute. The only real gift is ourselves, and our time. So slow down, smell the roses, and make sure that you are running to something. So sit back and enjoy and experience the now.