I’m taking a SHORT break from using technology. I use the computer every day at work and for blogging. I am exhausted. I won’t be tweeting, on Facebook, or answering emails for the next few days. All blog comments will “Go Live” on January 1, 2014
As I get older I find that I’m becoming more and more concerned about the amount of time that I spend with the people that I love. It used to be so easy to spend time with my friends and family when I was younger. Before, spouses, children, jobs, good health, bad health, special projects, depression, happiness, jealously, self-imposed periods of seclusion, and the list goes on. Basically, before everyone’s lives happened.
I do make a point of spending time with my friends when they come into town. That’s a non-negotiable. I do try to meet up with my friends every week or every other week. But, I’m concerned that it’s not enough time.
I love my friends and family. But, living in the United States where we value productivity, hard work, and drive it’s hard to balance out my dreams and needs for myself as well as my work schedule and commuting times.
Life is short.
I’ve known people who have already died. The first person that I remember dying in my life is my Grandpa, then my Great-Grandma. Then, a boy I knew when I was 13, he died in a fire. The thing is, we all will die it’s not an if, it’s when. This is a bit morbid, but I’m being honest.
I don’t want to regret not spending enough time with the people I loved because I valued work, and other things that won’t love me back. It’s tricky though. Finding balance.
Here are some ideas of how I go about making sure that I spend enough time with friends and family.
- Build in socializing time in your schedule. It has to be non-negotiable
- Build in time for yourself. Then, you won’t be conflicted about time that you spend with friends and family
- Be honest with the ones you love about your schedule. They may have flexibility built into their schedule so that they can connect with you a lot more easily.
- Keep it simple. I meet my friends and family a lot of times for coffee/tea. It keeps it cheap and simple. Or, we go hiking, bike riding, or just for a walk. Keep it easy!
- Luckily I like kids, so if my friends have kids they are welcomed to join us. That eliminates the need for a baby sitter.
- Don’t flake! If you say “no” too many times then your friends won’t want to spend time with you.
- Visit them in other states. I have friends who live EVERYWHERE! L.A., NYC, London, West Palm Beach (Miami), and the list goes on. My out of state friends visit Colorado all the time. It’s actually very good for me because I see them a lot more than most friend see their foreign friends. Because they visit me so often I try to swing over and visit them as well. Doing this has kept my friendships solid and my friends appreciate it when I visit.
Having money, gear, and a whole bunch of stuff won’t comfort you when you’re sad, happy, need someone to listen to you or show up at your wedding, when your sick, and when pass away.
Friends and family are what make life worth living. Cultivate them like you would a garden. Nourish it everyday. Say thank you, remember what is important to them, listen, and love them fiercely.
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