Monday, July 31, 2006

How Long Will It Matter?

Often we allow ourselves to be upset by small things we should despise and forget. We lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that, in a year's time, will be forgotten by us and by everybody. No, let us devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings, to great thoughts, real affections and enduring undertakings."

Andre Maurois [1885-1967, Writer]

How many times have you been upset in the past week? In the past month? In the past year?

I can remember a couple times this week. I can remember several times in the last month. In the last year? I probably don't have enough fingers and toes to count them all on. How many of them do I remember? Fewer than a handful from the last year. In fact, only the most recent ones.

I am often surprised when I tell my friends a story about myself that I can't remember what it was that I was upset about...just that I was upset. What does that tell you? What does that tell me?

This time next year, I will probably only remember a handful of upsets that occurred with in the last week from that date. Amazing isn't it? It all seems so important at the time. How quickly it all passes.

Instead, who do you love and care about now that you will still love and care about a year from now?

What are the projects and matters of import that you devote your time and energy today that will still matter in a year? How many lives will you help by contributing to those efforts over the next year?

What are you building? Where are you investing your life energy and your best efforts?

Lots of questions...lots of right answers. What is true for you? Where is your focus? Do you focus on the yes or the no?

Tell me what you are creating in your life. I'd love to hear.

Wanda Tucker, Coach

4 comments:

Jenny said...

When I would get upset as a teenager my dad used to say something like, will this matter in 30 days? Oh yes, I'd claim, and run to my calendar and mark 30 days ahead. When I got there, of course I had no clue what I'd been upset about just a few short weeks before!

Also, I keep meaning to blog about this, but I haven't yet. Maybe I will today. Anyway, go to www.whatisthesecret.tv and watch the movie. It speaks to this blog and to your posting "As Within, so Without." I think you'd get a kick out of the flim - especially as a life coach. Maybe you've already seen it.

Wanda said...

That's a great story, Jenny. I guess if we really want to remember we also have to take notes! I look forward to reading your blog about this.

I checked out the link. The trailer was intriguing. I'll have to have more time to watch the whole video. Thanks for the tip.

kario said...

It is curious why the things we hate or are annoyed by seem so much more emotionally impactful than the positives in our lives. I must constantly remind myself to look around and see whether something is really worth fighting about or if I should go hug my kids instead.

Wanda said...

Whenever possible, I opt for the hug. The details of it may not be remembered, but it adds up on the side of positive over time...and that will be remembered.

Statcounter