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Do you sometimes feel that all you do is chores? You do chores at work (meetings, incessant calls, constant interruptions, boring paperwork) and at home (laundry, cooking, paying bills, picking up around the house, fixing things, running the kids to their activities). When do you have time for fun? When was the last time you did something that you really wanted to do?
I realized how prevalent this lifestyle was when I was conducting a workshop in Hawaii. We were discussing building time into our lives to enjoy where we lived. I asked them when was the last time that they went to the beach, hiked in the forest, or enjoyed the paradise around them. They said, "We're too busy doing laundry, cleaning house, working, and taking care of the kids. It isn't always paradise to those of us who live here."
I was surprised. Then I realized that I, too, live in a paradise, the San Francisco Bay Area, and yet I hadn't experienced much of the richness available to me. I discussed this with Robert. Living in an entrepreneurial household, we work long hours and long days. There's always a new project to work on-an article, newsletter, tape, presentation, or promotional package. We weren't allowing much time to recharge our batteries and enjoy our own paradise.
A few weeks later, Robert asked what I'd like for my upcoming birthday. I said, "I don't want more 'stuff.' I have enough stuff. I'd like an experience." That birthday he gave me the promise of an outing a month, of my choosing. Each month we would do something that I thought would be interesting.
One month we kayaked in a slough in Monterey Bay. Another, we hiked and picnicked with friends. We strolled through a Japanese tea garden for a morning. Once we took in a comedy show with friends in San Francisco then stayed overnight in the city. We stayed in a Santa Cruz inn with a private hot tub on a cliff overlooking the ocean. We hiked in a regional park 15 minutes away from our home. We bicycled to a local crafts fair. We took in a matinee of one of our favorite performers, along with lunch with friends.
Although I've lived in the Bay Area since 1966, there are many things I've never seen or done. Each month is a mini-adventure, and we're discovering things about our area we've never seen before.
Robert has given me a most precious gift-the gift of time and sweet memories.
© 1996 Morgan Seminar Group
_______________________Rebecca L. Morgan, CSP, is a dynamic speaker and seminarist. She is the author of four books, TurboTime: Maximizing Your Results Through Technology, Calming Upset Customers, Life's Lessons: Insights and Information for a Richer Life, and Professional Selling. For information on her speaking services, books, and tapes contact her at 1440 Newport Ave., San Jose, CA 95125, 408/998-7977, 800/247-9662, fax: 408/998-1742, rebecca@RebeccaMorgan.com, www.RebeccaMorgan.com. Please contact Rebecca for permission to reprint or repost this item.
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