People say that life is short. Well, short is a relative term. If we’re comparing modern day life spans to that of Methuselah, then I guess I can agree that life is short. No matter how long our time on Earth may be, we need to use it wisely. For that reason and for the purpose of growth, I’ve identified 12 things I can no longer afford. If you’re honest with yourself, you’ll find that you can’t afford them either.
12 Things I Can No Longer Afford
- The luxury of a negative thought – We hear so many encouraging words throughout the day. They go in one ear and out the other — motivating us as we move about our day. One negative thought can upset that tenuous balance we struggle to maintain. Negative thoughts and negative people leave us feeling drained. You can’t afford to feel this way.
- Missing play dates – Unless you’re fighting the plague or there’s a Friends marathon on TV, don’t miss your play dates. Laughter is good medicine. It might even cure the plague. You can’t afford to miss a chance to fellowship with your real friends.
- Going to work early – I wake up early every day, but that doesn’t mean that I need to get to work early. I used to think I could get ahead if I went in early. I accomplish as much now as I did back then. Besides, if I start going to work early, I’d have to give up part of my morning routine. I’m not willing to part with prayer time, bible study, and writing. I can’t afford to lose my way or my soul.
- Leaving work late – Sometimes I have to work late. There’s just no way around it. Most days I can leave at a decent hour — giving me time to exercise a little, cook dinner, and spend time with my husband. I can’t afford to upset this balance either.
- Staying up past my bedtime – For the past four years, I have averaged six hours of sleep each night. That’s ridiculous! You’re probably wondering how on Earth am I able to maintain my effervescent personality and witty disposition on a mere six hours. God only knows. Since Thanksgiving, I’ve been turning in an hour early, and I feel the difference. I can’t afford to rob you any longer.
- Missing my massage appointments – This is getting out of hand. I canceled an appointment a few hours before my appointment, and the company charged me for half of the service. I didn’t want to miss this treat, but I think I had the plague that day. I can’t afford to spread that around, and I can’t afford to waste money either.
- Eating junk – Believe it or not, I’m not a healthy eater. I love veggies, and I eat a few servings per week, but I could do so much better. Packing leftovers for lunch is so much better than the number four with extra turkey, no mayo, extra sauce, cut in half from Jimmy John’s. I can’t afford to ingest foods that don’t fuel me properly (just in case life is actually long).
- Being nosey – Eavesdropping or “ear hustling” can lead you down a road you hadn’t intended to travel. I stay in my lane and mind my business. Besides, I like my nose exactly where it is — perfectly aligned in the middle of my face. I can’t afford to have it knocked out of joint because I stuck it where it didn’t belong.
- Doing what I’ve always done – It’s a fact that what you reap is what you sow. If I plant pumpkin seeds, I should expect to get pumpkins — not turnips. If I sow into a particular ministry, I should expect to see it prosper. I’m setting goals and taking action. I can’t afford to sit on the sidelines.
- Fixing what’s broken – This year has taught me that I’m not equipped to fix everything. My desire to help sometimes leads to a level of zeal that I can’t sustain. I realize now that sometimes I’m needed merely to assist. I can’t afford to be the MVP at all times.
- Breaking promises – I don’t break many promises because I don’t commit to a lot. Knowing what I’m able and willing to do is key. Let your yay be yay and your nay be nay. I can’t afford anything more.
- Having regrets – Everything we experience is meant to teach us something. Having an attitude of gratitude for all of life’s lessons is the way to go. Regretting things leads to perseverating about them, and this results in wasted time and energy. If life is really short, I can’t afford to waste my time.
Like everyone else, I’m a work in progress. I take a few baby steps in the right direction each day, but I sometimes take a giant step without saying “Mother, may I,” and I end up right where I started. If you want to have an epic journey, draw close to God. You can’t afford not to. He’s the only one who knows where you’re going.
NOTE – If you enjoyed this post, Like it, Share it, Tweet it, or Pin it. Don’t forget to tag your friends before joining me in the comments. May blessings abound! <3
(Originally posted on 12/18/16)
I just loved this and resonated with it on so many levels. Plus you made me chuckle out loud in parts 😉 and I can’t resist a good ol’ laugh! Thank you for sharing Michelle xx
Hey, thanks! I decided to let folks see my not-so-serious side in this post…glad you chuckled, and glad you stopped by, Hayley. 🙂
Oh I certainly chuckled Michelle – you have a wonderful way with words 🙊 xx
Lol…thanks, Hayley.
Very inspiring…and funny! 😀 But you have found the right things!
“I can’t afford to rob you any longer.” So many things I could quote here, but this one is SO TRUE and we don’t like to admit it due to false modesty. Let’s just face it, God has put gifts in us FOR OTHERS, and we rob them when we don’t take care of ourselves. Great post, and retweeted!!
Thanks so much, Dawn. If our goal is to be good stewards of our gifts, we won’t allow ourselves to become depleted. Thanks for sharing, sweet sister.
nice post! I really liked the pic of the tree.
Thanks, Jim.
Absolutely love this! So well thought out and well written. Thanks for this!!
Hi Kristen! Thanks for stopping by. 😀
I so agree on the negative thoughts and the junk food! I’m trying to leave both behind in 2016!
Thank number #5 and #7 though. I am with you. I can not afford to miss my bedtime, my entire week is thrown off when I miss just one bedtime. I won’t even say anything about that #7, *sigh*!
Hey, Tiffani! Thanks for stopping by. I checked out your site. I went to Trevecca when I used to live in Nashville. I have a dear friend who’s from Memphis.
I’ve been working on this. I have my days but I’m certainly making strides. It takes away some stress and I love my new feeling.
#1 and #9 are at the top of my reflection list. Some things, some people and some habits must be left behind.
I feel you. You can’t take old habits into a new year.
I need to do better with this. Some days I’m good and I’m being positive; when something sets me off I get so far into the negative space.
What’s good about your assessment of yourself is that you know when you’ve gone too far. Now the next step is catching yourself before you go too close to that point.
Can I just tell you that I LOVED this post and made me think about what I can no longer afford. I agree with so many of these and girl, tied for #1 are negative thoughts and having regrets, followed up by missing massage appointments!
Thanks so much, Ty. Girl, it’s time to get back on the good foot with those massages. Happy Hump Day!
I love this list! I know I am working this list myself.
I knew you’d find yourself in there somewhere, Tanya.
Another on time article! I need this tonight. 2017 is going to be my year on “NO!” So I can get back to me and being happy. I need to work on all of these (lol).
Kirstin, I wrote this post as much for myself as for all of you. It will serve as a reminder for me in the new year. 🙂
Two things that are against my religion are getting to work way too early and staying late. my time is my time, and if I can’t get it done in my assigned hours it has to wait. my sanity and my family come first. Love this post.
Kim, I’m right there with you.What are the benefits to wearing yourself out? I can’t afford to do that in the new year. 🙂
I LOVE LOVE LOVE these tips!! I also shared on my FB page because we all (including myself) need a reminder of things that we dont have time for in the New Year!!!
Ohm yes ma’am! I love this list. You know that “no longer doing what I’ve done”- that hit home. I’ve got to switch it up and going to bed on time!
Yes, life is short. It’s all about priorities and keeping family first on the list.