Time

Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the
future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: now.

- Denis Waitley

Time. Oh if we only had more time. I've been contemplating the countless events that have taken place over this past year along with the varying degrees of time in which these events have taken place. A six-month engagement felt like an eternity, with countless hours spent on planning my wedding and preparing for marriage. But the most important part (the moment we were officially married) all boiled down to that three-second dip & kiss - then BAM! We're married. That's it? After all that time planning; it was that simple? Well, obviously not - it was really that fabulous "party" that resulted from all the blood, sweat and tears, if you will.

I recall learning the news that my eight-year-old cousin was diagnosed with osteosarcoma - cancer of the bone - in mid August. A diagnosis that likely proved to be the longest few minutes of his parents' lives. As a result, his treatment will endure for years to come. In seconds their lives were turned upside down, and reality (as they knew it) was shaken violently ensuring things would never be the same again. And this was all learned in a moment's time.

As I continue adjusting to my "wifey" ways, I'm learning (quickly) about the amount of time planning for and creating meals takes. After the prep work and cooking time, enjoying the fruits of our labor then clean-up, before I know, the evening's gone! Zip - just like that, in a flash. As Dave and I get ready for bed we think, "Where the heck did all the time go?!" And thus the cycle continues!

Is there ever a solution? Will we ever be able to reclaim OUR TIME. And whose to say it's even ours to claim? We've all heard the saying, "Time is money." What a 21^st century mindset, eh? I HATE IT. But in this day and age, it's hard to deny it. Dave and I are already learning this first hand. Unlike me, when he doesn't work, he doesn't get paid. Plain and simple. That alone defines the phrase quite perfectly.

But must we accept this? Is that all there is to life? Overly-managed (in my case) and strictly-planned time, filled with To Do's and Goals and endless "Projects." With days so meticulously planned out to ensure every bit of time is utilized and not gone to "waste." No! Snap out of it people! Admitedly, I'm quite guilty of this in my life. My loving husband so graciously has to coerce me into being flexible with my time, reminding me that "It's ok if things change and don't go according to plans." I commend him for his ability to be more relaxed with his time. He balances me in this sense, for sure and I thank God for that.

My point in all of this is, though it will take everything in me to "give up" control
over every waking minute of my days, I want to strive to do so -to fight against
the "time is money" MADNESS and give myself the opportunity to focus on more important things. Like PEOPLE and my relationships rather than lose sleep over dirty dishes in the sink, laundry to be done and driving myself batty over the need to be obsessively organized!

Essentially, I suppose I'm taking control of my time...but giving it up (maybe not ALL of it, but some).

Wish me luck...I'll be needing it.