By Summers are busy – make sure you enjoy how you’re passing the time.
This time of year, we’re all noting that in Central Kentucky, we’ve got about a month until school is back in session. Some us look forward to that, and getting back into our “normal” routines, but at the same time, a lot of us are trying to maximize these last few weeks of summer with the kids by heading to the beach, the pool, or taking a nice hike while the days are still long and warm.
I know personally, I get to the point of overload going from winter, when I have a completely empty calendar, to spring and summer when every week goes faster and faster with a packed calendar of events and outings with friends and family. With all the chaos, I’ll forget to spend time just being in the moment and breathing.
We’re all different, and we all relax in different ways – reading, praying, sleeping in, watching old movies, some people bake (I’d like to know more of you!) – and one thing I’ve tried recently in the past 45 days is an app called Headspace, a meditation app that’s free to try out. I’ve been using it first thing in the morning, after my devotional, to help transition from the morning quiet and reflection to accomplishing absolutely everything – today!
This app has helped me focus on breathing, which is great for my asthma, and has helped me develop greater focus on tasks. I’m also finding that it’s helping me clear my mind so I’m just tackling one issue at a time.
When it comes to peace of mind, we sometimes attempt to create it through tasks that cost money, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with having a hobby. Whether golfing, fishing, boating, singing, meals with friends (think foodie!) or even wine tasting, these activities can enrich our lives. But all of these also come with a cost, and can become distractions from the ability to think, and quiet your mind.
Knowing myself, I started using this app to see if it would help me avoid that end-of-summer, start-of-school, I-have-to-get-everything-done-in-the-world feeling of overwhelm. And, so far so good!
The point of all of this is that there all kinds of things money can buy, but sometimes the greatest gift you can give yourself and your loved ones is your time. This might sound simple and easy to say, but I know for a lot of us, this isn’t easy to do in today’s 24/7, go-go-go world.
So, as we hit the mid-point of summer, let’s cross the proverbial finish line making sure we enjoy how we’re spending our time.
Article by David Smyth, CLTC, Senior Partner at Family Financial Partners — a financial services firm in Lexington, Kentucky.