Write first - live later

I'm finding that the things that are most important need to be done first.

Not the things other people think are most important.

For me, that's writing. Hands down. Always has been.

Heaven knows I should have learned this long ago, but I'm admittedly a little bit of a late bloomer.

For example, Steven Covey used to use this metaphor as an example. He would bring in a big bowl, with some rocks and pebbles...

I've learned that, if I don't write first thing, it doesn't get done. I'll mean to and mean to, and think about it and think about it, until I'm so tired there's nothing left in the tank and then it doesn't happen. Then I'll stay up later, hoping it will happen, but it never does.

Every day is a new opportunity. Carpe that diem! Take that road less-traveled.

My son is signing up for college today, which starts in a little over a week - we're going a little crazy over here, trying to get everything done. I had to take the day off to fit it all in.

My daughter's already started back to college. My two youngest are set and ready to start in a week. I've got church lessons to plan, another article to help write for my husband's blog, menu and shopping to get together, reading to get done, and a date to prepare for tonight.

But I've already written in my story today.

And my heart is at peace and happy, despite the whirlwind of activity.

If I hadn't written, I'd be getting a lot done, but not feeling good about any of it. I did that for a lot of years. Got a lot done, but never feeling happy about it.

Lives are made of years, then months, then weeks, then days. Days are made of hours and seconds. Use them. They don't ever come back. Fill them with what's most important, and life will feel exceptionally well spent.

Notice this reminder is for me - I'm blogging to myself right now.

If you get something out of it, that's gravy. But sometimes I like talking to myself...