Have you heard the expression life is too short? I know, who hasn’t, right? Well, over the years I’ve found myself taking it one step further.
When faced with something that is tedious, redundant, or pulling me down, I think, “Now that belongs on The Life Is Too Short List.” And there it goes. Right outta my life. Or at least off my list. Maybe it’s now on someone else’s list, but not mine.
I’m not sure exactly when I took this turn of phrase and made it a life management strategy. All I know is, I’m glad I did. The List helps me cut right to the chase: Is this how I want to spend my time? If the answer is NO, then onto The List it goes. Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is.
The first thing to know is that The Life Is Too Short List encompasses all aspects of my world. From jobs and tasks to stuff and even people. Here’s how it works.
Tasks need to get done in order for life to go smoothly. But they don’t have to be done by me. While I am capable of doing lots of different things, that doesn’t mean I need to be the one to do them. Especially if doing them makes me cranky. No one wants to be around someone who is in an ugly mood.
When I find myself feeling that way, I start thinking about options. Alternatives. A way out that is a win-win. Sometimes I need an attitude adjustment. I decide a task is not worth my time or resources and move on. If it really is important, then I try to find someone else who is better qualified to deal with it. Life is too short to get myself all wrapped around the axle. Next.
Then there are the tangible items in my world. I like my stuff too, but I need to ask myself, “Is this how I want to spend my time?” Too much doesn’t need to be a roomful of stuff, but an extra this and an outdated that can put me on a slippery slope. I have many things I enjoy doing, but managing my stuff isn’t one of them. Life is too short. Next.
Should is a red flag in my world. When I hear myself saying should–and it comes with that sinking feeling–I ask myself, “Does this fall into The List?” More often than not it does. If something is important enough, then it gets delegated. Life is too short.
Negative attitudes and drama are also contributors to The List. They are simply not where I want to spend my time. We all get caught up in our own and other people’s dramas from time to time. That’s just not a place I want to linger. I look for ways I can make a positive impact on a situation. I can always think good thoughts, and that may be all I can do. Then I mentally add the situation to The List.
Life is too short when we spend it in ways that don’t serve us. Being happy and making a difference are how I want to spend my time. There is fun to be had. There are tunes to played. If not today, then when?
The Life is Too Short List isn’t trademarked or copyrighted, and it may not even be an original concept. But it works for me. Take it for spin. See if it’s a fit for you. Make your own variation that suits you perfectly. Whatever you do have some fun. Give yourself permission to let go of the should and say no to drama. It’s a great life!
