I am certainly not the first person to realize how fleeting time is and how quickly it flies when we're scrambling about, trying to check off our to-do lists and to do our absolute best everyday at everything. But once in a while I reflect on how important it really is to make time count.
I have definitely obsessed over checking off that last item on my to-do list, no matter what the cost.
While it's important to track progress and strive for goals, the things that really matter in life can't simply be checked off. They aren't easily quantified and sometimes come about through unexpected experiences. The experiences that matter most leave lasting impressions and hold a much greater value than completing a task.
In the spirit of the holiday season, it's gratifying to give gifts to loved ones but it's just as important, if not more so, to give the gift of time. Since it is the one thing you can never get more of, it is truly the best gift of all. Over the years friends have moved away, taken on more responsibilities and even become parents, making time with them more limited. In lieu of giving physical gifts to each other, we have decided to take the money that we would spend on traditional gifts and instead spend time together. This might mean enjoying a fun dinner out, catching up over hot cocoa or wrapping presents together. Either way the value of quality time is immeasurable and so important to maintaining relationships with friends and family.
So even if you love traditional gift giving, try your best to make time for memories this holiday season, despite the hustle and bustle. Before you know it, it will be 2014!
Happiest Holidays to all and to all a good night!