QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Let your occupations be few," says the sage, "if you would lead a tranquil life."
--Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, A.D. 121-180, Roman emperor
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
Our activities pull us in so many ways in this day and age. The ever increasing technological advances give the illusion of compressing time. We get information instantly, calling upon us to decide rapidly. We have more options open to us about where we spend our time and money. All of this can lead to a loss of focus on what is truly important to us. It seems at times like we are busy but never accomplish those things that give our lives true meaning and happiness. We feel like we must "do it all" and consequently we do none of it well. From the quotation above one would think that this is not a problem unique to this era. "Let your occupations be few . . ." can refer to all the scattered activities that rob us of the tranquil life, and it appears that even in the first century A.D. this was a concern.
So how do we bring peace into our activities? Look at what is really important. What are your passions? Identify your values and vision for your life. Then pick the three or four things that will help you fulfill your vision and uphold your values. True there are many things that demand our attention, but giving attention to them and letting them rule us are two entirely different things. If our focus is on our passionate goals based on our values, then everything else falls into place and we truly can, "lead a tranquil life."
Blessings and Love,
Allen Schmeltz
Copyright © 1998 Allen F. Schmeltz. All rights reserved.
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