We never have enough time to get things done, but somehow it does by cramming as many things into the day. You fool yourself into believing time expands. I regularly watch doctors and nurses go about their days and wonder aloud how do they run at that pace? Get dressed, take care of your family, drive into the hospital, start on the pile of current patients plus the ones who just showed up, calm down families, organize the paperwork, and still be compassionate. Oh, and manage home life after. Then repeat and wash again the next day; it’s clearly not a role for the weak or lazy. Ultimately, work and life do not balance and burnout drives these good people elsewhere. Even though I’ve run hospitals for decades, I appreciate their workload more now as a patient. With recent college graduates saying they don’t want to work hard or at all, I’m wondering who’s going to take care of us goobers in the future? Ironically, we’re no different than caregivers though, believing time expands by adding more check boxes when just the opposite is happening. Time is fading and we’re missing the truly important moments along with it.
Time seems to be easier for me to compress since I’m not particular about details. Diane’s the opposite, she can easily check off a zillion specific items herself in an hour and firmly believes I can finish a small list of weekend jobs exactly to her standard. Her version of work and time differ from mine; however, I finish jobs “close enough for government work” and prioritize them as the clock clicks down, not getting everything done (vacuuming under beds? nope). Similarly, she’ll give me a long shopping list of specific items to pick up at 3 different stores. Rather than hit three stores I’ll pick the one carrying the most items and be done with it. To me that covers most bases. Regardless of checking off all the items, however, the details appear like bad pennies. “So, you didn’t go to Sam’s Club for the bushel of Caesar Salad, did you?” No, in the scheme of things to me it doesn’t matter and ultimately I’m less stressed by shopping even if I don’t get a gold star on my forehead.
Lately we’ve had a flurry of big detailed challenges tossed our way that can’t be ignored or compressed into a neat package with a bow. I’d love to expand time to address them by packing more detailed items in my set day like in the past, but clocks don’t work that way. We have been forced into tackling all of them at once, but discovered that by shedding unnecessary details and check boxes to focus on important items like love and life, time is expanding by just simply enjoying each other’s company. In our quiet moments we realize after all these years less items on the list creates more treasured time which ultimately is infinitely more valuable than anything on sale at Sam’s Club. Besides, I need a ton of extra time to finish off that bushel of Caesar Salad. Slainte.
That’s a funny reply to Diane!!
Another great read and topic, Pete. I love the simple truths and personal insights you share and the glimpses of how you and lovely Diane negotiate the everyday.
Thanks for sharing and enjoy the salad. 😊
Jenni, thanks for reading and commenting. The best truths in life are the ones we already realize. They tend to get buried from the blur of information we get bombarded with. Pete
Thanks again I look forward every Wed
to read it you are AWESOME ANGELS WATCHING OVER YOU AND FAMILY
Beverly, thanks for being a loyal reader. I heard you plowed through the books already; that’s impressive. Pete
Mr. Pete…you are a phenomenal teacher. You are branching out and reaching your auditory learners. I’m so proud of you! I love hearing your voice along with your beautiful writing. It adds a new dimension to your work. The devil is in the details sometimes Mr. Pete…but other times details are just irrelevant. I think you just have to decide which ones matter the most. Life is about adjusting to what works for you in the present moment; you are leading by example. Thank you. 😊
Cheers Mr. Pete!
☘️💕🪳
I don’t see myself as much of a teacher; I couldn’t hold a candle to Diane’s ability. I make up for it by being a good listener and observer.
Time is certainly precious. Thank you for sharing yours. 🍀
Grace, you can’t create time, but you can certainly enjoy it or waste it. Pete
Pete, you are an inspiration thank you for your display of compassion and courage. Greg
Greg, just doing my best to let folks know good still exists. Pete
I love this post! I just found the button to hear you read it, I love that!!!! You are so right about time, it needs to be spent well, because time, it is nothing that you can buy! So, I always think a good idea, is to spend it well! Stay well, friend!
Fran, I learned something new that a lot of people like listening to stuff rather than read it. I’m shifting gears. Pete
Another great review , that is so TRUE , thanks Pete!
thanks Tom!
❤️ Another wonderful reminder of life’s important lessons.
you’re right, we just need gentle reminders on occasion.
Thank- you Pete…. You have a gift in so many way’s!!! Love your blog’s… God Bless 🤗💕
thanks for reading and commenting – it’s the best feedback for me
Let’s cram in all the love and life we can! We are headed your way! See you soon!
bring warm clothes it’ll be cool next week in the land of good
Hope you and Diane have a hundred million more Caesar salads !
Krista, yeah – no; I’ll need to mix it up a bit with some French dressing. Any good recipes? Pete
Love hearing your voice, Mr. Lawson.
except when you tell me “stop talking”.