Life passes by. Second per second, minute per minute. It all adds up. There are some that are into this YOLO thing and others that are doing what they feel they must to get through it. But you cannot forget the small things that make life so memorable. Sure, there are good things and bad things that happen to everyone. How else to we get all those stories that we share when we get together?
But there are a few things that I have gathered together and formed into a list of what really does matter. This list is neither finished when I post it nor complete even in the paragraph I spend on each topic. I am sure you could add many more things to it, and feel free to!
Time matters: Here is one that I have a fatal flaw with. I am governed by the clock. I am not talking about having a finite amount of time on this earth. Everyone's clock is ticking at a slightly different rate for that one. But what I am talking about is being prompt and staying on schedule. For me, I actually get visibly upset if I cannot meet a deadline, or be somewhere on time. My perception is that everyone will be judgmental of me if I waste their time. So I do what I can to keep the ball rolling and get things done, efficiently and fast, and early if possible. This is furthered though when that very perception is reversed. I cannot take it when I am forced into being late because someone did not get ready in time. Or perhaps someone did not meet me at the time we agreed upon. This one is just as frustrating. Time matters, and I hate wasted time. It is a precious commodity that gets de-prioritized all the time (no pun intended). I work with the public...another giant source of time crunching. People always wonder why the doctor runs behind schedule. No, it is not because they over-booked the schedule. It is because patients come late to their appointment. Then they ask, "Don't you value my time?" And I want to ask them the same question back. Sometimes a patient requires more time. That is plenty fine with me. I take every chance to accommodate as much time as I can for everyone. But then when the very next patient complains that I spent a half of an hour with the previous gentleman and only fifteen minutes with them, then another talk must ensue. "I spend the time each person requires. Do you have anything else I can do for you? Any other question I can answer? Anything else you need?" Here comes the response, "No, I just wanted you to know." Thanks, now I am further behind.
The Score matters: They don't give the Stanley Cup to both teams. The score matters on a level that is deep. When people say it isn't about winning or losing, it's how you play the game, they are being nice. But they are not that far from the mark if you delve into it. If you are a winner, be a gracious one. Winners aren't winners all the time. That's why they play the games, right? If you are the winner, you did something right. You succeeded and triumphed. It may mean you were superior to your opponent, but that doesn't mean that your opponent wasn't giving their all as well. They wanted to win too. But they don't need you to gloat and jeer (to their face). And the losers have something to think about as well. Losers aren't losers all the time. But there are lessons to be learned. Sometimes you just get beat! You weren't as good, as fast, and skilled. But sometimes you were the match of the century for your opponent. They may have bested you, but you don't need to hang your head. There are other times though that a loss is just what you deserved. Maybe you dogged it in practice or need to learn a new technique.
Family matters: They say you can pick your friends, but you cannot pick your family. I guess nothing can be truer. Friends may come and friends may go, and friends can peter out, you know... If you can finish that little ditty, you must be one of my friends. My family may not know all about that song or any of the other toasts that we give during the wee hours, but they don't have to. Family will be there anytime you need them. That's what family is for. They are the people that love you no matter what, until the end of your days, or theirs. There is no greater bond. That bond supersedes even if you disobey, or march to your own drum. They will be there even if you are not for a while. There is always the family connection. All it takes to rekindle is your willingness to do so. I encourage you to do it if you need to!
Health matters: Here is one that can go easily overlooked. Do you feel good? Probably, but that doesn't mean that you are not a ticking time bomb. People get drained. They get tired. They get stressed. They get sick. There isn't an animal out there that doesn't have these cycles. But here is something that you really have a decent say-so in. You can choose to eat properly. You can choose to exercise. You can adopt a low stress lifestyle. When you hear about your body being a temple, it goes without saying that it should not be as big as a temple. Your body will respond to what you do to it. It gives you back what you put into it. Isn't that something to admire? Sometimes I get a compliment at work...people will ask how old I am. When I tell them what my (actual) age is, they ask, "How do you do it?" It is funny to watch their expression when I reply, "You know, good old diet and exercise. Just what they tell you to do." Most of them are shocked. I think they were hoping I was going to tell them there was a magic pill.
You matter: Yet another - and probably the most - important thing that matters. You! There are many people in the world that need you. You may not even be aware of all the people you touch and influence along your way. There are people who admire you, learn from you, look up to you, and love you. You are important because you are you, and there is no one else quite the way you are. This requires some responsibility from you, though. You are needed. Whether you are needed to babysit or needed go out to share some advice over a beer, your actions will help determine the future. What kind of power is that?! I bet you didn't give much thought about changing the future, but there you are, day after day, making it happen.
So that is what I've got for this segment. Until next time...
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