In this world of seemingly limitless communication and, in many ways, opportunity, how do you choose with regard to the way you spend your limited time, resources, and energy? Years ago I wrote about the lifestyle buffet--the idea that life is a buffet and you choose what you want. Of course, we all have limitations when it comes to those choices as well as obstacles, but no matter who you are or where you live, you do have some choice over where you spend your time and resources.
As I look around, I notice people making all kinds of varying choices in this regard. Some are full-throttle committed to a specific goal. I don't see that much of those people since their goals are different than mine, but I respect their passion and excitement related to their personal goals. Others are completely busy with family care--they're busy with little children, adult children, partners, parents, and more. Still more are invested in their neighborhoods, communities, political action, church, and/or jobs which makes them very busy. People make all kinds of varying choices in this world, and this myriad of choices, in many ways, can be inspiring, but also daunting as this landscape of choice makes us think about our own choices with regard to where we invest our time, resources, and energy.
Most of us likely invest a good deal of our time, resources, and energy into those we love most--they come first most of the time, and that's our first priority.
Investing in our loved ones also likely matches our investment in our basic needs including our homes, nutritious foods, health care, and paying our bills, and this arena matches our allegiance to our jobs and other sources of income.
Then with any time left over, come our passions, values, and commitments. I have friends who are passionate about travel, fitness, music, politics, gardening, reading, cooking and more. Those friends devote a lot of time to their passions and often our passions are where we enjoy our friendships too. I also have friends and know people who spend a lot of time promoting their values and supporting their commitments. Values and commitments can be seen in people's advocacy and efforts related to religion, politics, government, the environment, and other arenas of life that promote individuals' values and hopes for our world.
In thinking about priorities, it's good to think about how you spend your time, resources, and energy. Does your investment result in the kind of life that matches your values and hopes? Are you spending too much time on investments that have little return in the way of good living and loving? I'll be thinking of these questions with regard to my life. If you have a thoughts to share in this regard, let me know. Onward.
