During my recent trip to Walt Disney World, I realized some things about life that had never fully dawned on me. I made a video about it, which I'll attempt to link below. Since there were very few people who actually watched it, I wanted to share my thoughts here, in hopes that more people will get the message. This blog will be aq paraphrase of that video. I have no notes, so I can not simply copy what I said before. Also, I have not watched the video since I made it, so I'm going completely off of memory. I'd encourage, and even ask you to go back and watch it. 3 things the mouse taught me about life
1. Take care of yourself.
When you go on a plane, they tell you that, should the plane need to make an emergency landing, air masks will drop from the ceiling. Then they tell you to put your mask on before you help others with theirs. Why put yours on first? If you don't properly take care of yourself, you cannot take of others. Sometimes in life we are so focused on helping others that we do not take care of ourselves. Don't feel guilty taking a break. Don't feel bad taking “me” time. Not only is it healthy, but it's unhealthy and potentially dangerous to neglect your own well being to help others.
2. Enjoy your work
If you go to work every day working a job you don't like, living just for the weekends, your life is going to be miserable, at least I believe that. It is my opinion that every person CAN find a job that they actually enjoy. Every one of us has God given abilities, strengths, and talents that can be applied to a career path that is fulfilling and enjoyable. I'm not saying you should lounge around and NOT work until you find your “dream” job. I have worked many jobs over the years that I absolutely hated. I did it because that's what responsible adults do. I provided for my family and I paid the bills. But, in your spare time, look for work that you can actually wake up and look forward to doing. Go back to school, get training, whatever it is. Life is too short to be unhappy or even miserable.
3. Enjoy your life
This one is similar to point #2. For me personally, I have been working so many hours that I have very little time to actually enjoy myself. I have no time for hobbies. No time for a social life. Most days I hit the ground running at 5:00 A.M. And don't slow down until past 9:00 P.M. I used to play the ukulele. I used to sing barbershop. I used to train martial arts. I gave them all up because I was working so much between ministry and my secular job(s). A few years ago, around April, work started dragging me down. Days and weeks became a blur, and I would start counting down the days until summer break. Every year since, that “wall” would happen sooner and sooner. This year, I was already counting the days down in November. NOVEMBER!
It was at this point that I realized something had to change, but I did not know what or how. I was only at Walt Disney World for 4 days, over Thanksgiving break. But those 4 days were so absolutely liberating and enjoyable. I felt alive. I decided at that point that something in my life has to change. I have to shift priorities. I must make time for myself. I must stop chasing the almighty dollar (not that I actually earn a whole lot of them) and focus on the F; faith, family, friends, and fun.
And so, I “resolved” to make some changes. I will make time to enjoy life; to resume some hobbies and fun “me” time. Specifically, in the near future I have determined that I will begin making Youtube videos again. I thoroughly enjoy making videos. For me, it is a great outlet. I have some ideas for ongoing series topics. Also, I have wanted to start a podcast for several years. After the new year, I will be making progress toward making that happen
I would like YOU to be part of this journey with me. I welcome and even solicit your thoughts. What type of videos would you like to see me make? What topics, what format Also, what type of podcast should I do? I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and input. Let's go on this journey together. It's going to be fun!
1. Take care of yourself.
When you go on a plane, they tell you that, should the plane need to make an emergency landing, air masks will drop from the ceiling. Then they tell you to put your mask on before you help others with theirs. Why put yours on first? If you don't properly take care of yourself, you cannot take of others. Sometimes in life we are so focused on helping others that we do not take care of ourselves. Don't feel guilty taking a break. Don't feel bad taking “me” time. Not only is it healthy, but it's unhealthy and potentially dangerous to neglect your own well being to help others.
2. Enjoy your work
If you go to work every day working a job you don't like, living just for the weekends, your life is going to be miserable, at least I believe that. It is my opinion that every person CAN find a job that they actually enjoy. Every one of us has God given abilities, strengths, and talents that can be applied to a career path that is fulfilling and enjoyable. I'm not saying you should lounge around and NOT work until you find your “dream” job. I have worked many jobs over the years that I absolutely hated. I did it because that's what responsible adults do. I provided for my family and I paid the bills. But, in your spare time, look for work that you can actually wake up and look forward to doing. Go back to school, get training, whatever it is. Life is too short to be unhappy or even miserable.
3. Enjoy your life
This one is similar to point #2. For me personally, I have been working so many hours that I have very little time to actually enjoy myself. I have no time for hobbies. No time for a social life. Most days I hit the ground running at 5:00 A.M. And don't slow down until past 9:00 P.M. I used to play the ukulele. I used to sing barbershop. I used to train martial arts. I gave them all up because I was working so much between ministry and my secular job(s). A few years ago, around April, work started dragging me down. Days and weeks became a blur, and I would start counting down the days until summer break. Every year since, that “wall” would happen sooner and sooner. This year, I was already counting the days down in November. NOVEMBER!
It was at this point that I realized something had to change, but I did not know what or how. I was only at Walt Disney World for 4 days, over Thanksgiving break. But those 4 days were so absolutely liberating and enjoyable. I felt alive. I decided at that point that something in my life has to change. I have to shift priorities. I must make time for myself. I must stop chasing the almighty dollar (not that I actually earn a whole lot of them) and focus on the F; faith, family, friends, and fun.
And so, I “resolved” to make some changes. I will make time to enjoy life; to resume some hobbies and fun “me” time. Specifically, in the near future I have determined that I will begin making Youtube videos again. I thoroughly enjoy making videos. For me, it is a great outlet. I have some ideas for ongoing series topics. Also, I have wanted to start a podcast for several years. After the new year, I will be making progress toward making that happen
I would like YOU to be part of this journey with me. I welcome and even solicit your thoughts. What type of videos would you like to see me make? What topics, what format Also, what type of podcast should I do? I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and input. Let's go on this journey together. It's going to be fun!