A Letter to Myself

“What you think about yourself is much more important than what others think of you.”

Marcus Annaeus Seneca

Dear Robert,

Last night you were dealing the problem of time management.  You really struggle with it.  How do you handle all the responsibilities you have and all the commitments you’ve chosen and still spend time with people you love?

Fortunately, you got some sleep.  That made the problem feel less difficult.  Here are some possible answers:

First, stop worrying about it. 

Seriously, stop worrying. 

No one is dying here. 

On one level, it doesn’t matter if you do one blog or two blogs a day.  It doesn’t matter if you do none at all on some days. 

No one will die if you miss one of your commitments.  They are commitments.   They are not contracts. 

Stop for a moment and think of why you have made these commitments.  You made them to get control of your emotional life and your time.  You made them to improve yourself and your life. 

Well, guess what? 

You did it.  You’ve improved yourself and your life.  You made some difficult decisions and you are experiencing the rewards and consequences of those decisions, but they are your decisions.  I think they are great decisions.

Second, remember the big picture.  This is your 412^th blog.  Over the long run, you have worked very hard.  Yes, you’ve missed days, even a few days.  Yes, you’ve made mistakes.  But in the big picture, you’ve written 412 blogs in just over a year.  You’ve also walked about 100 miles.  You’ve done over 200 radio shows.  You’ve written resumes and made money and taken care of your life.

Are things perfect every single moment?  No, but they don’t have to be.  The only thing that is necessary is that you are moving forward.  Moving forward means you’re doing your best.  Here’s the thing.  You are always doing your best.  Always.   Even when you think you aren’t. 

In the big picture, you are like a Monet painting.  Some of the details may be a little blurry, but you’re life is still a work of art.  So are you.

Next, stop looking at where you want to be so much and look at where you’ve been.  You wanted to be a writer.  Now you are.  You published a book.  You’ve written and written and written.

You wanted to study and you have.  You learn every day.  Honestly, I think you’re amazing.

Most of all, you wanted to be happy.  Now you are.  When you aren’t, that is your choice.  You really can change your mind.  You don’t have to be afraid.  I know it’s part of your makeup, but you don’t have to be afraid.  So stop choosing it.

Finally, stop managing your time and start managing your life.  I know that is not an original thought, but it’s still a good one.  Ask yourself this question:  What are the most important things in my life?  You already know the answers:

1.     Spend as much time as possible with your Muse.

2.     Study and learn.

3.     Love those who are around you at any given moment.

4.     Get the house by the beach.

That’s it.  As long as you are doing one of those things, you’re doing the right thing.  Every.  Single. Time. Worrying about writing two blogs a day is just another way the Enemy works in your heart.  Fear is the killer for you.  Every time it comes up, recognize that it’s a way to keep you from doing the important things.  It’s okay to plan your day.  It’s okay to set priorities and tasks.  But if you miss something, and you start to become afraid about it, you’ll just miss more. 

Laugh, Robert.  Laugh at your humanity and your imperfections.  It’s not your job to correct them.  Offer them to God and let Him deal with them.  Spend more time loving your Muse and yourself and you will be fine.  You will always know what to do. 

Now you need to do other things.  Get Started and Keep Going…and have a great day.