I’ve been away for a couple of weeks spending time with my family and friends over the holidays.
I was thinking about New Year’s resolutions and remembered something I learned at a retreat about 10 years ago. The seminar talked about values. The leader asked us to write down how we spend our free time, starting with the largest use of our time. That was easy. Then the leader asked us to write down what we thought our values were, in order of importance. I thought about it for a few minutes and completed my list.
The leader told us to look at the two lists. Did the lists include the same things? In the same order? Mine didn’t and most others around me didn’t either. I thought my free time coordinated with my highest values. I realized my values didn’t totally match my priorities.
We can get swept away by filling our free time with things that don’t correspond to our values and not even realize it. There are lots of time drains: the internet, TV, cleaning and many others. (Cleaning is not a time drain for me!) I realized my lesson in the seminar; to be careful of what I’m spending my time doing, because time is precious and we can’t get it back.
Now my values and priorities match up, for the most part. It took some adjustments in my life, but it was well worth it.
My New Year’s resolution is to try to stay on track with my values. I need to reevaluate frequently, but it’s worth it for a more fulfilling life.
I hope you have a wonderful new year and it brings happiness and fulfillment!
Katelin Maloney