Make the Time to Live Your Life
Does anyone else out there feel like sometimes you’re so busy being busy and keeping up with the daily grind, that you never truly get to experience what makes you happy in life?
Or when was the last time you actually did something fun and didn’t turn it down because you were too “busy”? How many times have you found yourself saying “I’ll do that next week”, but by the time the next week rolls around it’s completely forgotten about.
Look I get it, we all have jobs and responsibilities and daily and weekly time commitments, but I’m pretty sure we weren’t put on this earth just to work and die. I know that’s putting it pretty blunt, but seriously- we were given a life to live it!
I’m the type of person who will work and work and then work some more, simply because it’s ingrained in me. I always have 8 projects going on at once and thrive on chaos, but there has come a point here lately where I have made the realization that I need to slow down and start doing things that make me happy and focus more on just living and enjoying life.
There will always be more work to do and something else to fill our spare time with, but life flies by and it’s time to start truly living it.
A person once asked me how I would spend my day if I knew it was my last, and it really got me thinking about priorities. If you had just 24 hours to do anything you wanted, what would you do?
Every day is truly a gift and it should be spent doing what you love with the ones you love. As we’re too often reminded, this life is short and we have no promise of tomorrow.
So now is the time to bake those cookies you’ve put off for 3 months. Now’s the time to make the hour drive out to the lake. Now’s the time to visit an old friend you haven’t seen in ages, and spend hours just sitting and talking and laughing at old memories. Because, nobody wants to end up at the last leg of their journey filled with regret.
You can spend your entire life waking up, working, and going to sleep, or you can cease the opportunity that every day brings and find the joy in each moment.
I hope right now that you’re living the life you desire and that you spend your time doing what you love. But if not, know that it’s never too late to change your direction and to choose a different pathway that makes you happy. As Dolly Parton put it best, “Don’t ever get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
Thanks for stopping by!-Cara
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I love this post! You make so many great points. It’s so easy to get sucked into working long hours and never taking time to enjoy the life we’re living. Thank you for sharing!
I love your blog and just started following you on bloglovin. I would love a follow back! I’m new to blogging and love to make connections with my fellow bloggers!
Xo Nicole
http://www.damatoadventures.blogspot.com
Hi Nicole! Thanks so much for the sweet comment and follow! Always love meeting new bloggers as well! 🙂
Aw Cara this is beautiful and oh so true! I think about this on a regular basis and loving life is what life is all about. Thanks for a good reminder.
Thanks Jennifer! It’s so important! 🙂
I am definitely a work, work, work type of person and unfortunately, the things I truly enjoy, like blogging, tend to suffer to everyday tasks. I definitely have been trying to stop and smell the roses a lot more lately. Great post Cara! I hope you are doing well! XO -Kim
That’s good, Kim. It’s important to focus on the priorities in your life and if other things have to take a backseat, that’s completely okay. In the end you have to be happy, that’s what it’s all about. 🙂
You are so right! I feel people should live their lives to the fullest . I always make sure that I spend time with my family and try to go have fun!
That’s what it’s all about! Our kids definitely thank us for it too! 🙂
Great post! And yes, I’m totally at that place right now where I feel like life is flying by. I hate the feeling and it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of the daily grind. Thanks for this reminder!
You’re welcome! Time really does fly the older we get, I think. But at the end of the day we have to slow down and focus on enjoying the little moments and not worry so much about the mundane tasks. 🙂
Love that verse from Ecclesiastes.
So many people hoard their time and money and refuse to be generous, even with themselves. You can’t take it with you and all :/
That’s so true Kristin! There’s people that have told me they would come over and see our boys since they were born and now they’re 6 and 4. I know people get busy, but time doesn’t stop for anyone and it’s all about choosing your priorities.
I really do need to live IN THE MOMENT more often, and put my laptop away when I’m having time with my friends or boyfriend. I do want to live my life more too, but it always seems like there’s so much going on and I can’t get to it all xx Adaleta Avdic
It can be hard, trust me I know. And I don’t think it’s necessarily about doing it all, but more about focusing on what needs to take priority. Dirty dishes and clothes can always wait for another day! 😉
Girl, you are so right with this! And i swear time is FLYING by even faster as we get older.
It really does! My mom always told me once you graduate high school time flies and I never believed her until now. Makes you realize how important it is to savor every moment!
Such great advice! Life is too short to miss all the best parts from being too busy with the mundane tasks.
Exactly! Isn’t it so much better when we slow down and enjoy the beauty/good in the world around us?
Great post and such a great reminder. It can be so easy to get caught up in work and not stop and take in everything else that life has to offer. I felt a bit guilty about leaving work early today and doing something for me, but I am glad I did. 🙂
Thank-you! I don’t think we should ever feel guilty about doing something that makes us happy. You have to make time for yourself every now and then or you’re not going to be the best person for everyone else.:)
Thanks for this reminder. I’ve been putting off scheduling some fun things because my to do list keeps getting in the way. So I’ve got to remedy that this week and add some fun into our week 🙂
I’ve been trying to add something fun in with the kids every evening. Even if it’s only for 15-20 minutes, to them it makes their whole day. 🙂
I feel like lately my whole life has been work. Which has been so stressful for me. This month I am trying to not really care because yes there are time lines to meet, but it’s not worth killing yourself over. I honestly feel like I go to work, come home and repeat. It sucks. So I have been relaxing more and sitting back. It’s time to enjoy life as you said. Let’s make the best of it!
We sound like we are very similar in regards to work. I’m the type of person I hate having deadlines loom over my head so I practically kill myself to get everything finished, but it recently got to the point that I realized I needed to take a step back and stop worrying so much about it, because it was crossing over into my home life, which is never a good thing. You have to find that balance- so I hope things get better for you soon and you’re able to have some fun! 🙂
I completely agree with you. It’s so easy to get caught up in the thick of thin things. I go to a weekly dance class and it’s something that I love and helps me forget about all the other “stuff” that’s going on for a couple of hours.
I think that’s great, Shani! I know for me my 20-30 minute workout everyday is my stress reliever and the time where I let everything else go. I always feel rejuvenated afterwards and it helps me relax. 🙂
I love this post and your amazing perspective toward life! It is very important to slow down and enjoy the things around you. I’m glad that I slowed down long enough to enjoy your post.
-Beth || http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Aw thank-you Beth! We have to slow down and enjoy ourselves or we’ll quickly end up very burnt out.
Your words are so true! It is very easy to get caught up in a day to day routine that you do forget to look around and appreciate what you have, and enjoy life as much as possible. This is something my husband and I need to work on more. We have been so busy paving the way for our small farm and working full time that we simply do not stop to smell the roses anymore. Thank you for this wake up call!
You’re welcome, Erin. It’s something we definitely all struggle with. It’s so easy to get caught up in the monotony of day-to-day life that we forget to actually enjoy ourselves. I’m really trying to be more intentional with everything I do.
This is exactly why last weekend my husband and I took off for a Michigan camping trip. I had marathon training and an editing project, but I didn’t to put those off because I don’t want to work my life away and never make time for what makes me happy. Love this post!
Thanks Marette! Glad to hear you’re enjoying spending time with your husband and doing things that make you happy! 🙂
NOW is the time and I love this and that Ferris quote is one of my favorites!!!! What a great post!!!
Thanks! That quote hangs above my desk at work and I love it!
Oh Cara, you are tapping in to me hormonal craziness right now. I’ve been so focused on getting my house clean, trying to build content for my blog, and fishing my to do lists before baby that I’m missing out on the little things. I know this. Thank you for the reminder and I’m going to get on the floor and play with my little guy right after nap today!
Aw, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I have to remind myself of the same thing, so don’t feel bad girl! I have four piles of laundry waiting downstairs right now, but instead of doing that I’ve been playing hide and seek with the kiddos all evening. I’m pretty sure they’ll remember that over a squeaky clean home.
I absolutely love that Ferris Bueller quote (and the movie)! I couldn’t agree more. You have to enjoy and take advantage of the fun stuff in your life!
Me too- it’s one of my faves! Gotta have fun or what’s the point?
Such good advice…we have some things in common! Life in law enforcement can be tricky…
Thank-you! It definitely can, but it’s always nice to meet others who can relate!
Amen girlfriend! Can’t let life grind you down.
I work to live, not live to work. Always have been that way, probably always will be.
Yes, that’s a great way to put it! When something starts to consume you to the point you don’t find enjoyment in it, you need to walk away or take a step back.
This is such an important reminder. I get so caught up in all the “stuff” sometimes, that I forget to really enjoy the moments. Time just goes by too fast not to stop and really pay attention. Thank you!
This is so true and that is why I always try to take time out to smell the roses. I wish I could go back and spent more time with my Dad and my Brother Jeff, but you can’t go back in time. So make time to spend it with your family while you can cause when you least expect it they will be gone. Love you Cara and Rob and love your 2 little boys. Dad
This is something I definitely need to do more of. After starting this blog and keeping up with all the social media and working a full time 50 + hours a week job I’m spent. I feel like sometimes I don’t know how to have fun anymore. But I have to do it…for myself and my sanity. Thanks so much for sharing this.
You’re very welcome. I’ve always said, if something no longer brings you joy, you really have to take a step back and reevaluate what’s most important. I know for me I love blogging but it can easily consume most of my time if I let it, and I don’t want to ever choose blogging over my family. Having fun and enjoying this wonderful life I’ve been given is what’s most important. 🙂
I wish I had more time to do things like that… between work and the kids, those are my priorities now! But it makes the time I do get to spend on doing those little things I’ve been wanting to do even more meaningful.
Could not love this post more! I’ve cut down on blogging to 2-3 times a week since it was just consuming me between work and also trying to relax and have a social life. It’s so much more important to stop and enjoy things. LOVE that Ferris Bueller quote <3
Green Fashionista
I’m so glad you can relate, Kate! Blogging is awesome but as with anything if it begins to consume you and drain you of happiness, it’s not worth it in my opinion. That Ferris Bueller quote hangs above my desk at work and I love being reminded of it everyday. 🙂
This has been on my mind a lot lately. Slowing down and taking the time to live life to the fullest.
Enjoying the little things is what it’s all about. I’m really trying to be more intentional with my life and enjoy each moment.
I really loved reading this post. It’s so true. I tend to worry more about the future than enjoy the here and now. I think society (esp in New England) is just always going going going and we need to learn how to slow down and just enjoy being in the moment.
Thank-you! It’s definitely like that everywhere, Tanya. I really have to remind myself to live in the moment too. Too often I find myself looking ahead to something in the future, but if we’re always looking at the future its hard to enjoy the everyday moments which are so important. Great point! 🙂
This is so true, I have been thinking so much lately about how there has to be so much more to life than just working until we die.
That is why I recently made the decision to leave my job and focus on my health and my business with my boyfriend. I am filled with excitement for the future.
That’s great Jessica! Best of luck on your new venture! You have to do what makes you happy! 🙂
So, so true Cara!! I think we all take life for granted and don’t take time to appreciate the small things or even just take time to enjoy it. I know we sure weren’t out here to just work and pay bills!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Exactly! And I really don’t think all the money in the world will matter when it’s all said and done. Great point!
Dolly’s quote at the end? Perfect!!! This is such a great reminder that we are lucky to get a tomorrow so we shouldn’t take it for granted!
We’re so blessed every day that we wake up and we have to make the most of each day we’re given. 🙂
I really needed to read this today! Thank you!!
You’re so welcome!
I needed this reminder!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
I live this and it so hits home. There will ALWAYS be more to do and more work to take up our time. We have to actively and intentionally LIVE! Great post, Cara!
Coming Up Roses
Yes, exactly! I used to never know what people were talking about when they said to be intentional, but now I completely get it. Thank-you!
Have you heard of the blog Hands Free Mama? I’m reading her book now and really loving it. This is kind of why I stopped blogging.. even though I enjoy it, I felt it was taking up too much of my time.
I haven’t, I’ll have to check her out! That’s exactly why I’ve went down to posting only twice a week. Blogging is great but I don’t ever want it to get in the way of truly living my life, ya know?
I have friends who CONSTANTLY remind me of this!
I think that’s great, Katie. I often have to be reminded of this by my husband. It’s easy to get caught up in working and cleaning etc. but at the end of the day you have to live your life and have fun or you’ll end up completely burnt out with everything.
HELL TO THE YES. i used to be that person who lived to work and everything else was second. I’d be the first one in the office, last one to leave and then I’d work at home.
Not anymore.
Now I have a great work/life balance because I make that happen. Work will always be there and while there are those exceptions (ie. work deadlines etc), when it’s quittin’ time, it’s quittin’ time and nothing will interrupt my family time. Unless the building is on fire (and my projects along with it), the project can wait until 9am the next morning when I get in the office for my response.
Yes, Kathy! I’ve always been a strong advocate of work-life balance and leaving work at work and home at home, and it truly makes you a much happier person when you find that balance.
Work, sleep, eat repeat is not living. I hope more people take the time to stop and get outside and enjoy anything and everything.
Such a great point, Candy. I’ve been making a conscientious effort to do fun things each evening with my boys, even when the laundry is piled up high. It can always wait until another day.
This is so true! I totally agree. Life is meant to be lived to its fullest.
Exactly! Who wants to end up looking back on their life wishing they would have had more fun or just enjoyed the simple things?
I LOVE THIS LADY!!! How often do we slow down and actually enjoy the little things? Not very often.
Thanks Chelsea! Not often enough for sure!
Love, love, love this! Life is too short to end up with regret. And love that Dolly Parton quote, so true. It’s so easy to forget to make a life because we’re too busy making a living! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Thanks! I love that Dolly Parton quote too, and it’s such a great reminder! 🙂
Truer words were never spoken. I’m definitely feeling all of this right now… and last year, I was getting on to my mom for working so much because my dad didn’t care about how much $$ she was making. He just wanted to play golf with his wife and for both of them to enjoy retirement… and now he’s no longer here and I hate it for both of them. There is so much more to life. So much.
Aw Sara, I’m so sorry for your loss. Life passes by so quickly and we really must be intentional while we’re here and learn to not work ourselves so hard. Thinking of you!
Love this and completely agree. All we have is now so we need to try and find more of that balance between work and things we ‘have’ to do, and making time everyday to do the things that totally light us up. Great article!
Thank-you! I came home today from work knowing I had lots of laundry to do, but my boys really wanted to play hide and seek, so that’s exactly what we did. The other stuff can always wait. 🙂
Such an amazing perspective on this, Cara! How would you spend your day if you knew it was your last? Personally, I would want to be with all my friends and family in some way. I couldn’t agree with you more about living life and taking the time today to enjoy it!
Thanks Kiara! I think the older we get the more we realize what truly matters and how life quickly does pass us by. It’s important to spend every moment being happy and doing what we love. 🙂