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A Matter of Time
By karen | July 24, 2007Multi-tasking, endless lists of things to do, and the never ending succession of demands on our time and our energies, how do we decipher the difference between the things that are only urgent and the things that are truly important?
Often we seem to be proud of the fact that we can juggle and maneuver many different tasks at the same time.
But are we really at our best when we are doing multiple things all at the same time? Are there things in your life that really deserve some of your undivided attention?
I spend quite a bit of time in front of my computer. I’m sure that is no surprise. But as of late one of my daughters has devised a plan to get me away from the computer unconditionally, every time. It is usually in the evening, probably when I should have given it up for the night anyway, but she will come in and kiss me on the cheek and look at me with those beautiful eyes and she will say “Mom, will you come and snuggle with me?” My heart melts and all of the concerns of the computer melt away. I am no longer concerned with email or my endless list of things I want to do. I am off to the couch to do the really important things, not the urgent things, not the nagging things, not the things that seem to demand my attention so well all day long but something truly important that brings me joy and happiness and reminds me of what the real treasures are in my life.
In life there will always be the urgencies, the things that demand your attention. It will always be a challenge to reign those things in. But your life will also have the important things, the things like family and friends who add a measure of joy and love and the as yet unfulfilled dreams of the things that you have always wanted to do, to accomplish and achieve.
The urgent things may scream at you to take care of them immediately. They are the things that you think you “should” do even as you would rather not. They are the things that can take every ounce of energy and every bit of time if you let them. They are the noisy, insistent things that can drive you crazy.
But the important things, the things that will really make your life the way you want it to be are quieter. Just like my daughters request they tap you on your shoulder in a quieter fashion. If you have something that you have always dreamed of doing but you haven’t accomplished it yet, that thing is not often screaming at you, demanding your time and taking your attention. Those are the things that are quietly tapping on your shoulder, silently tugging on your heart strings, asking for your attention.
The important things do not demand your time.
You must learn to give your time to them.
This post is included in the Living by Design Carnival No. 15 September 16, 2007. The carnival is located at Living By Design
July 24th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Hi,
I want to repeat your last 2 sentences because it really hits home to me …
“The important things do not demand your time.
You must learn to give your time to them.”
I am like you, working long hours in front of my computer so much that my youngest has jokingly referred to my laptop as my ‘darling’.
Yes, this is something I must learn and thanks for the reminder.
Abundance Always!
July 24th, 2007 at 10:00 am
Cuddle time, the best medicine of all!!!
July 24th, 2007 at 10:02 am
It sounds as if you have a life like mine!!
thanks for stopping by!
July 24th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Nanay, It is sweet isn’t it?!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:20 am
So true, so true. It’s impossible for me to turn my 4 year old away when he comes and asks if he can sit on my lap or play with him. 5 minutes makes us both feel wonderful!
Hugs,
Holly
July 24th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
I can semi-multitask. It’s hard to do though.
July 24th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Holly,
Yes, there are very few things (probably no things!)
in life that can beat snuggling with your kids!!
It does make both mom and kid feel wonderful!
July 24th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Jenny,
I’m thinking I’d like to give up the multi-tasking completely and focus only upon the matter at hand!!
July 24th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I must admit… I use multiple tabs open to multitask while working on the computer. While one page loads, I’m working on another…
But when my cat comes and demands cuddles (closest thing I have to a child!), it is always wonderful to take a moment and get away from the flickering screen.
July 24th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Yes, I love my multiple tabs and I always have them open also!!
But there are important things that need often need attention but they don’t come in an urgent package!!
July 24th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
This is such a great post. I have thought a lot about multitasking and what’s important. I don’t think I evaluate my priorities all that well sometimes.
Thanks for the reminder…
July 24th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
All we can do is our best! We all get caught up in urgent stuff but remembering and being conscious of the important things can get us back on track!
Thanks for stopping by!!
July 25th, 2007 at 9:29 am
You are so right about important things not demanding your time. They are like the child that you say is never needing anything, but really they are the ones who need it and not much either.
July 25th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Nneka,
Yes, it’s the really important things that often get sidelined by the “urgencies”!
thanks for stopping by!!
July 25th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
I love the Teachers that kids are. Mine are grown now, but I have a grandson to take on that job. He constantly asks: Hey, Nona (that would be me),want to read? to sit with me? to play? Thank heavens they are here to remind us, yes?
July 25th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Yes! Yes! I am so grateful they are here to remind us!
July 25th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Wow - what a knockout distinction between “urgent” things and “important” things. I spend way too much time on the “urgent.” What an eye-opening post! Than you, thank you Karen!
July 25th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
The inspiration came from my daughter of course but also I was feeling very caught up in the “urgent” also!
Thanks for stopping by!!
July 29th, 2007 at 2:05 am
[...] Karen reminds us to stop and take time for the things in life are really important in “A Matter of Time.” [...]