Busy Midlife Slacker?

Being busy at midlife can have a profoundly different meaning, if you are willing to be thankful, and open-minded.  Many things can, and do, overwhelm us. Right?

Laughing can be good medicine in managing (not eliminating) stress. And just the other day, a friend and I were reminiscing about some funny moments in our lives that illustrate how we’ve dealt with stress.

Perhaps seven years ago, when our son was two, while Family was staying with us for the year-end holidays, I was on the floor with our son.  We weren’t doing anything important.  Just hanging out really.

The phone rings and I don’t flinch a muscle.  One of the visiting family members was in their 70’s.  They were taught, when the phone rings, you answer it – it’s the lifeline to the world.

They said, “Aren’t you going to answer the phone?”

“No, I’m busy”, I replied sincerely.

“But you aren’t doing anything”, they challenged.

“That’s right.  I’m busy doing nothing”, I said, smiling, staring at my son.

Sometimes, being a midlife slacker can be the most important part of your day.

Workaholics Hate Leisure Time

“Because it is less structured than work, leisure time leaves workaholics at a loss for what to do.  Workaholics practically climb the wall when they can’t work”.   — Marilyn Machlowitz

This is “painful” to read.  Why?  Because I felt particularly guilty this weekend.

While I did do a decent job of carving out time with our son, work occupied a better portion of the weekend.  It was predictable.

It isn’t leisure that leaves a loss for what to do.  It’s quite enjoyable, almost nirvana, doing nothing.  But the work starts to pile up.  So much to do.  So little time.

Yes indeed, so little time.  Our nine-year old will be driving before you know it.  And then it will be too late.

Mid Life Monday?

Mid Life Monday?   Seems so.

And here’s a thought:

“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say.  I just watch what they do”. – Andrew Carnegie

This is why so many people, myself included, struggle in life.  Our intentions and our behaviors are two different things.  This sends the wrong, and unintentional, message to others.

Not until we become aware of this, admit to it, and then resolve to change, can we lead a better, more fulfilling life.

A life with more peace and contentment.

At least that’s my intent.

Carpe diem, jeff noel  🙂

Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day!

What a joy it must be to have the honor, and blessing, to be called Mother, Mom, or my personal favorite, Mommy!

And if you’re a Mom at Mid Life, hope you and yours have a great Mid Life Celebration today.

A mid-life quote, just to sprinkle a little mid life insight on your thoughts today:

The real compensation of a right action is inherent in having performed it“.  — Seneca

Make it a GREAT mid life celebration for the special Mothers, Grand Mothers, and Great Grand Mothers, in your life.  Carpe diem, jeff noel  🙂

Mid Life Saturdays?

Happy Mid Life Saturday.  And, a mid-life quote:

“Rather suffer an injustice than commit one”.  — Unknown

Took me a looooong time to comprehend this.  But now I do.

Carpe diem, jeff 🙂

PS.  I’ve found many people too busy for self-reflection and contemplation.  It is what it is.  No right or wrong “answer”.

Which one are you?  One who does, or one who does not?