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Heartwings Love Notes 998 - Setting Priorities by Tasha Halpert

Heartwings says, "Priorities need to be set for certain goals to be met."

Lately I have been thinking about priorities and how to set them for myself. As a result of a physical condition I developed, I need to prioritize physical movement, and fit exercises into my daily routine. Additionally, I must recognize that I simply cannot accomplish as much as I used to in the same amount of time.

It takes me longer to dress than it did a year ago. Simply getting from one place in the house to another takes more time, even though it's the same steps. My steps have become shorter and slower. It can be, to say the least, frustrating. I tell myself there are many far worse off than I, however that doesn't solve the real issue of my priorities. It seems I need to assess and reassess what these need to be.

Like everyone, I've had to change mine as I have grown. Young children have few consistent priorities except for their actual needs beyond love and being cared for: food, cleanliness and sleep. As they learn and grow, they resolve ways to answer these for themselves. New priorities emerge, based on what they have learned from the adults around them. Older children and then adults evolve their priorities as life gives them opportunities.

These may include being efficient--one of mine, dressing well or not, being polite, and so on. As they enter adulthood and the world of work and society, the priorities of life have more to do with what to do when and how soon or late to do it. Deadlines of one sort or another-- whether the date a bill is due or that of an article, help us to do things in a timely manner. Personally speaking I find them very helpful and when there isn't a deadline, I find it far more difficult to get what needs doing done.

Of course, I make lists and try to follow them carefully, even sometimes numbering items. What often happens, alas, is that something else appears that needs to be done, and best laid plans are out the window again. Of course, there is also the issue, as I mentioned earlier, of not being able accomplish as much, or of over estimating what I'll be able to get done in the given time.

This issue is a work in progress for me. I am still learning about it and working with it to see how to manage. Did I say I liked challenges? Perhaps I invoked this one. If so, it has caught me by surprise. Perhaps I need to assess my true priorities: good health, happiness for myself and those I love, and my work as a creative artist. Balance among these needs to take precedence over tasks, or spending too much time on acts and activities that do not really signify much. As usual it's practice, practice, practice all over again, and so it goes.

Got any easy recipes to share? Food stories to tell? I so appreciate your comments and thoughts. Please write to me at tashahal@aol.com, and for more love notes, check out www.heartwingsandfriends.com. Thanks!
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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