In the past, I’d get pencil and paper and make a list of things to do. I’d put ten items on the list and then even add one or two more. Now that I’m greying, I do one or two chores and then I’m done. I’m weary, the rest will have to wait. And why not? There’s no whip at my back. Whatever I have to do, I can do tomorrow. But, I was never like that. I had to accomplish whatever I needed to do, and do it immediately. Some of the people who received my timely response were surprised because they didn’t intend to deal with this project for another week or two and they felt rushed by my urgency, and most felt annoyed by it. It seemed as though I was indicating that they were lagging on the project. That wasn’t my intention but something within me demanded I handle every project, letter, and bill with a life and death timeliness. At least that’s the way I was.
Well, I’ve changed. Let the other guy race across the finish line. I’m now devoted to taking my time and I’ll get to it tomorrow or perhaps next week.
I’ve decided this is the key to living longer, at least without so many pressure-filled days. There are some letters on my desk that require my attention but right now I plan to take a nap. You find fault with that?
Don’t. Actuarial tables reveal that removing the pressure from your life will help you live longer and in any case you’ll smile more. The people around you will be pleasantly surprised by the ease and calm that has now entered your life. Take it slow, those bills won’t go away, but they can be handled tomorrow.
And the sun will come out, tomorrow.Judith Levy is the New York Times best-selling author of GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS, which has sold four million copies to date. Her newest offering for the twenty million great-grandmothers in the United States, is a beautifully illustrated book titled GREAT-GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS. This perfect gift, is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It’s bound to be another best-seller.
