Keith Jeffery January 2009
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Using Time Wisely
I had a revelation a few months ago. I have only 8 more summers left until I am 65, the age most often associated with becoming a “senior”.
My revelation began with the realization that 8 years left as a “pre-senior” isn’t all that long.
And it continued with the deep knowledge that I want so very much to use whatever time I have left wisely, whether it be minutes or decades.
I know that I want to feel as vibrant and alive as possible, I want to be physically and mentally flexible, I want to develop spiritually and I want to cultivate love and peace in my life.
How about you? How long until you are 40, or 65, or 90, or even 100?
What do you want to do, to become, to achieve by the time you reach your next age milestone? And what will you do to achieve your goals?
Is anything holding you back?
Life is so busy, so filled with activity these days that most of us just drift somewhat aimlessly, without actively choosing a direction.
Well, my drifting time is over. Here’s what I have chosen to do. Perhaps some of these ideas may offer you helpful insights and direction.
I now realize that I have to manage my time in the same way I manage my money, so I categorized my possible activities as follows:
EVERY DAY MUST INCLUDE:
•exercise (choice of walking, running, golf, etc.)
•Tai Chi and 4 Minute Fitness (for focus, flexibility, vibrancy, breathing, balance, energy, meditation and to maintain resourceful attitudes)
•quality family interaction time
•relationship enhancement time
•reading both fiction and educational or thought provoking material
•work/vocation that makes a difference
•healthful food preparation, eating for life
•a quality nap
•music appreciation (playing and listening)
•smiles each day
(I have concluded that these activities are vitally important in helping me attain my life goals)
TO CREATE THE TIME I NEED, I MUST:
•eliminate most TV watching
•disregard junk mail
•spend less time on the phone
•delegate when appropriate
•disallow or manage depression, self pity, resentment, jealously, guilt
•quit complaining about all that is wrong (when so much is terrific)
•reduce or eliminate junk food – banish boredom
(these activities waste my precious time or hurt my body or lower my energy levels)
Each of us is different, but the key for me is to add structure to my day. I set my alarm and get up in time to include important activities.
I set a beginning and a strict end point for my work. I delegate many jobs so as not to waste the time allotted for work.
I am reducing my overhead and monthly expenses so I can work less, creating the time and money needed to do the things that I want to do. I love my work, but I need to insure a balance.
Whatever you decide, I’d suggest that you move toward your life goals by beginning with short, easy and do-able steps. And make it fun.
You may have different ideas and methods. I’d love to hear what works for you.
~ QUESTION PERIOD ~
Q. How do I improve my balance?
A. There is only one way. Practice, practice, practice everyday.
As we age, balance often decreases simply because we don’t use it, in the same way a muscle shrinks if it isn’t used.
Daily tai chi and 4 Minute Fitness will go a long way in helping you improve your balance.
A couple of hints:
As you move, keep you center of gravity low by relaxing your gut and bending your knees.
And reduce tension in a slippery situation by breathing deeply and treading carefully.
~ WEIGHT LOSS FACT~
Most of the calories found in nuts come from fat.
But did you know that it’s the right kind of fat? (mono and polyunsaturated).
These fats do not appear to increase cholesterol, and in small amounts, they may actually lower cholesterol.
Plus, nuts are filled with life enhancing nutrients.
Need to watch your weight? Try replacing current junk food calories (cookies, chips, chocolate bars) with a few crunchy, tasty (no salt, no oil added) nuts.
For more diet and weight loss ideas, visit: http://www.best-weight.com
www.EasyTaiChi.com
www.4MinuteFitness.com
www.EasyTaiChiCORE.com
www.Best-Weight.com
For more information, please contact
Dr. Keith Jeffery at:
1836 Douglas Crescent, Nanoose Bay, B.C. V9P 9C7
Toll free – (866) 682-4244 after 9 am Pacific
Tel (250) 468-9950
fax (250) 468-9910
E-mail: keith@EasyTaiChi.com