I read an article yesterday that talked about what is important to us and how we spend our time doing things that aren’t important. The article went on to say what you do is what you are.
To a certain degree I agree. I write, I am a writer. I take care of my family, I am a mother. But what do I do that makes me simply a human being? I spend time thinking about what I can do to help others, I try to spend time relaxing and even more time attempting to be inspired by something that I would like to write. I don’t think it’s possible to ever really be doing nothing. Even when we’re playing mindless games or watching crappy television programs, our minds are active.
The article stated also that if we laze around doing useless things then our lives are useless. If we spend all our time working for things we think we need (extras, that is) then we’re probably even worse off, especially if our goal in life is to provide for our family. A family we rarely see.
Anyway, it got me thinking about what I spend my time doing. I often say I’m doing nothing, and it’s true that many days little gets accomplished that I can actually see with my eyes. The dishes pile up, the dusting and vacuuming don’t get done. But in all, my children are happy and I’m pretty content. Sitting with Alex, even if we’re both on our laptops, keeps him happy and avoiding Chris unless he wants something – and then being available to talk to him when he does – makes for a peaceful household. The dishes, the dust, the vacuum cleaner – they don’t really care what I do with my time.
This post is part of SoCS. Find this week’s prompt here and join in! https://lindaghill.wordpress.com/2014/08/15/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-1614/
P.S. Here’s the link to the article: http://www.cracked.com/quick-fixes/the-60-second-guide-to-bullshit-free-life/

August 16, 2014 at 11:38 pm
I know what you mean and often have to remind myself not to worry about the little things or lose focus on what really matters in those special quality-time moments. As they say, when we’re old we won’t have regrets over insignificant tasks we didn’t do; being happy and spending time with loved ones is what we’ll treasure. Thanks for highlighting that here. 🙂
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August 17, 2014 at 8:16 am
I think you hit the nail on the head. Even when we’re “doing nothing” in the same room as the ones we love, it’s the space that matters, not the doing.
Thanks for your excellent clarification. 🙂
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August 16, 2014 at 8:30 pm
It has to be a personal decision. Everyone is different. To some, playing on laptops in the evening, next to your spouse is a horrible way to spend quality time together. But then again…what makes us happy? I know for me and my spouse, we enjoy evening time tv and most of the time we ARE jumping around online. – Crystal
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August 16, 2014 at 10:30 pm
A family that plays together… 🙂 Down-time is as important to our well-being as any vitamin, and any amount of sleep.
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August 16, 2014 at 5:34 pm
I think if you are spending your time doing things that make you and/or your family happy, then you are not wasting time. So what if that means playing a game or chatting online for hours… are you happy? That should really be the important question.
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August 16, 2014 at 8:27 pm
I agree with you, Lori. – Crystal
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August 16, 2014 at 10:24 pm
I think it only comes into question when all that game playing and online chatting causes stress because I’ve put off something I really wanted to accomplish. Stress is the worst. 😛
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August 19, 2014 at 11:24 pm
Oh definitely.. once something fun becomes stressful, it is time to do something else. Maybe you can work out a happy balance between fun things and accomplishments. I turned my world upside down. I now give myself an hour of fun for every half hour of serious work I need to do. I am much more relaxed, my projects are getting completed and I get to have fun too.
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August 19, 2014 at 11:26 pm
Great idea. I need more self-discipline that way. Thanks, Lori 🙂
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August 16, 2014 at 3:22 pm
Love this. I find that I strive for balance constantly. I could write so much, so very much about halfa dozen points in this blog, but I’ll refrain. Also, es to what callitsonja said.
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August 16, 2014 at 10:19 pm
Write a post about it. 😀 Balance is definitely a good thing. We all need to lay back once in a while. 🙂
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August 16, 2014 at 10:51 pm
I’m an extremist. I know nothin bout balance, hence the strive!
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August 16, 2014 at 11:06 pm
So swing both ways! Just not the way it sounds… not that there’s anything wrong with that.
🙂
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August 16, 2014 at 11:13 pm
LOL You’re killin me tonight!
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August 16, 2014 at 11:14 pm
😀
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August 16, 2014 at 2:09 pm
Who determines if I am wasting my time or not? 🙂 And so what if I am wasting my time? LOL 🙂
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August 16, 2014 at 10:16 pm
Some people are sure to judge whether or not you’re wasting your time – only you can decide if you’re happy with it. 🙂 I can’t imagine how discontent I would be if I wasn’t okay with wasting time at least occasionally.
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August 16, 2014 at 2:01 pm
We all wrestle with the question “am I wasting my time?” I think you got to the answer which is “depends.” Well done.
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August 16, 2014 at 10:12 pm
Thanks, John. 🙂
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