Time is the Coin
**We interrupt our regularly light-hearted and slightly sarcastic programming for some Monday morning introspection. Don’t get used to this.**
I’ve learned the hard way to be fairly guarded with my time. 12 hour days climbing the corporate ladder to more 12 hour days will do that to you.
The older I get, the more cognizant I am of just how precious and fleeting time is. Maybe it’s being a parent. Maybe it’s seeing my parents age. Maybe I’ve actually learned a few things in my 30-something years on this planet.
With this in mind, I try to keep my priorities straight because I don’t like the feeling of being over-committed and stretched too thin. That harried feeling inevitably trickles over into my parenting, my marriage and I don’t want to be that person on a regular basis. (Although, that person gets stuff done with scary efficiency.)
While we can’t avoid some of the monotony and drudgery that comes with being an adult (hello laundry, I’m talking to you), for the most part, I embrace the motto that life is too short to not be doing what you enjoy or what matters to you.
Have you heard this quote by the poet Carl Sandburg?
“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have and only you can determine how it will be spent.”
Preach it, brother. Preach it.
I ran across this quote at a really apropos moment last week when I was hitting my head against the figurative wall.
His words reminded me that what I was doing, no matter how noble, was not life or death. The utter ridiculousness of the situation was taking time away from my core priorities.
Time to exit stage right as quickly as possible.
Our lives, our situations, our priorities, what matters to each of us is different and evolving. It’s what makes our world tick. We each choose how our time is spent. We also choose our attitudes toward all the circumstances of life – the ones created by our own doing and those harshly thrust upon us without visible rhyme or reason.
I choose. You choose. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.
This past weekend, I took Mr. Sandburg’s words to heart and spent my time creating memories and exploring new places with the three people who are my heart and soul. I’m so happy I did. It’s an investment with immeasurable return.
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P.S. I’m also going to choose to revise my opinion on the career path of poet. You know, just in case my children decide to forego college and venture down that path. I will remember that it seemed to have worked out for Mr. Sandburg and his three Pulitzers. I’m sure he eventually moved out of his mother’s basement.
Thank you for stopping by today! It makes my day. Here are some other posts you might enjoy.
Why a Good Book is a Secret Door
Kid Wisdom: Everyday Superpowers
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