We have a lot going on at the TabyanInn, through the end of this year and on into next. It’s time to simplify.

A Lot Happening

It seems like everyone is trying to cram as much into the next three months at the end of the year as they can. This is leading to a lot of things on the calendar for both of us through the holidays. We try to keep our social commitments to a minimum during the holidays, but that can be pretty hard.

Looking at the bigger picture, I plan to retire at the end of next year. As I try to wrap up my career working for the government, it seems like I’m busier now than ever before. That alone is enough to keep me busy through next Christmas.

At the same time, I will be the lead guy in my Masonic Lodge next year. The plan is also for me to take over as Secretary there after I retire, so I am learning that job next year as well. Both of these take a lot of attention and homework.

On top of all those things, we are both still trying to dodge COVID, just like everyone else. It makes for a stressful, tiring time.

Need To Slow Down

What all this means to me is that I need to slow down and simplify my life. We all hear about that all the time, but what does that really mean? For me, it means learning to say no–to myself and to others.

I also recently had a health scare, so I need to cut back on a lot of the things in life, starting with food and wine. Like a lot of folks, I need to lose weight and get back in shape. To do that, I need to cut back on the expensive meals out–especially unhealthy breakfasts. That will help me get healthier and save money, too.

I also need to be more careful about overcommitting my time. Between the masons, work and my hobbies, I really need to be aware of this, and cut back. If I let them, each of these things can really soak up a lot of my time and attention that otherwise would go to things that I really should be focusing on…

Focus On What Is Important

Which brings me to the Number One thing I need to concentrate on: my wife and family. Yes, I know it can be a cliché–but it is that way because it is true. Traci is the most important thing in my life, and my activities need to reflect that.

Beyond that, my health is almost as important, too. The reason for that is simple: for me to be around for Traci, I have to be healthy. I don’t need to look like a Brad Pitt–I just need to be healthy enough to be around.

How will I do this? Well, that is the $64,000 question. I’m already working on simplifying my hobbies, and this is helping a lot. I think the best thing I can do is just keep these issues in mind, and focus on doing the best I can. And that is all any of us can do…

Marc