Make it non-negotiable

I once heard it said that an immaculate house is the sign of a boring inhabitant.

Why is it then that we spend so much time and energy on our house?

There are a many things we do each day that are true necessities: cooking, shaving, showering, feeding the dog, etc. are in this category. They are non negotiable. We do them because they must get done. Going to work everyday would qualify as well, because, let’s face it, the bills do need to get paid, the family needs to be fed, and so on.

Other daily events are more discretionary. Shopping, cleaning the house, and maintaining the car would be examples of these less essential tasks that fill our schedules. There’s no requirement that we do them today, but they do demand that we address them on a regular basis.

And then there are the activities that can really enhance our lives but which we seem to have so little time for: hobbies, playing with the kids, recreation, meditation, reading, etc.

These are the most nourishing of all, yet they seem to get the least of our attention.

How unfortunate, considering that they provide us with so much pleasure and energy.

Honestly, there’s no better time than the present to make the shift.

Today’s the day to begin the change.

How about carving out an extra 30 minutes of every day from one of those negotiable items (above) and reallocating them to one of those creative pursuits you’ve been wanting to incorporate into your daily life.

I dare you to lighten up on those chores.

What a great start to the new year.

Here’s to a fabulous new year, full of vitality!