I went away for a few days with my family up to North Conway, NH in
the White Mountains. While I was there I took some time to go skiing.
It’s one of my favorite activities to do and it always re-energizes me
and helps me look at my life from a different perspective. I was
reminded on this trip that it is just as important to play hard as it
is to work hard; to carve out that time in my life to do the things
that I am passionate about and to do the things that I love to do. I
find that when I do that I am not only re-energized but inspired and
present to what really matters in my life.
Life can get busy with all of the responsibilities that we have and
the things that we “have” to do. It’s easy to say that one day when
all my work is done I will then do the things I love to do. There will
always be work to do and things that have to get done.
There is no someday. We never know how our life will change from one
day to the next. Whether it’s the unexpected loss of a loved one, a
change in our health, our job, or even where we live.
Start doing the things that you love to do right now! It’s not only
how you create balance in your life it’s how you create an
extraordinary life.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
We’re born with a natural tendency to play, and for many years of our lives, that (play) is our work. I say this as a mother of 3 1/2 year old twin girls as I watch them each day really “work” with their play. Focus, joy, determination, sometimes frustration, all exists in their play, very similar to the emotions and experience I have with work. They inspire me to play with my work. So the question I’m left with is, when does that shift happen…when work and play separate into two different domains?
I’m glad your vacation inspired you, Ed!
A person who is a master in the art of living makes little distinction between work and play,between labor and leisure, between love and religion. They hardly know which is which;
to them they are always doing both. A Zen Poet
Play certainly is important and making time to do it even more so. Good post Ed.
I got my latest copy of Combinations for my church, thanks for signing it for them Ed! I know Fr. Dave and the kids are gonna love it.
I was going to leave you a comment but I wrote one then deleted it, then wrote one, then deleted it…like 5 times over. I was basically going to share a story with you about how I “check” my life with new perspectives but everything I wrote sounded cheesy…so anyways I just wanted to let you know no matter how you get that new prespective, everyone gets it one way or another wether they relize it or not.
Even when my family is laughing over a conversation while sitting around the dinner table, I tell them we are ‘making memories’.
It’s all about sharing time and enjoying the moment – whether you’re skiing or making cookies with a Grandchild!
I love that you actually stopped on the ski hill to make your day memorable and share this wonderful idea
Yeaaah! Love that you deem taking time for FUN just as important as work. Reminds me of Harley Davidson’s ad campaign – Scrrew it, Let’s ride. Now more than ever we need to find balance on a daily basis. I love your comment about when you’re skiing, you come back looking at life from different perspective.
So true, Ed. Well done.
Sue
Minneapolis, MN
Great blog my friend….a great reminder to us all whose loves seem to take control of us. Thanks for taking time out of your play-time to share with us.