So Little Time; So Much To Waste
December 09, 2011
By Guest Blogger, Mary Schmidt, Marketing Troubleshooter
It's that time of year again...
When the Trader Joe's parking lot (and store) resemble a war zone (I actually saw a fist fight last year, complete with bloody noses, over a parking space.)
When I take my life into my hands to walk by the Christmas tree sales lot (Hurry! Hurry! We've got to get home and get into the spirit!)
When I avoid all big box stores and malls. I don't go there much anyway, but this time of year, it's at best unpleasant, at worst downright dangerous. (Cue all the stories of Black Friday shopper fights and arrests.) Rush, rush, push, push, SHOVE, SHOVE! Gotta get that! (Of course, this time in 2012, will anyone remember what was so absolutely critical for 2011 Xmas? My bet is no...yet, they may well still be paying for it.)
And, as I (reluctantly) drive one of the major interstates or streets here in town, I wonder, just where are all these people going? In such a rush? With phones to their ears and scowls on their faces?
Seems people simply don't have enough time to get everything done, especially during the holidays. (So, what do you think? Do people use "the holidays" as a reason or an excuse? I mean, really. You don't have 1/2 hour for a phone call; an hour for a meeting; one single dinner or lunch hour free? 15 minutes for doing nothing? For over a month? C'mon.)
Granted I'm either terribly spoiled or fortunate, depending on your perspective. I don't even have a clock in my bedroom. I gave away all my watches years ago. I practice "Zen coffee" time most every morning, fresh-ground french press coffee in hand, cat(s) in lap, and not much going through the brain.
...and yet...I find myself saying, "I don't have time to __________!" When, in reality, I've got an abundance of time. It's all in my perspective...and choice.
Seems we can always find time to waste in our lives...but have difficulty finding time to LIVE our lives. Now, I think I'll indulge and go have a third cup of coffee...
Here's hoping you can have a slow Friday.
Ah Mary, I relate to the people driving like crazy on the expressways. I have many family members in that group. I'll say, "Why are you in such a rush? The 'end point' isn't going away? It will still be there in five minutes." To no avail...they continue to scowl and rush about.
To the rest, I'm guilty. I never have enough time. Trying to run a new business and improve on the old business is taxing. I'm working on it, though.
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita | December 10, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Love it Mary. It's all about choices - if you choose a crazy busy lifestyle you may be driving yourself into the grave. If you choose peace, a slower pace and enjoyment, you will live longer (I believe).
Posted by: Amy Zampella | December 09, 2011 at 11:40 AM