You Get Out of It What You Put Into It

We come home from work, rush to get dinner on the table as quickly as possible so that we have time to bathe the kids and prepare for tomorrow's meeting at work.  We make phone calls while stirring the pasta, and update the family calendar while we distractedly help our kids with their homework.

Does this sound familiar?  This is the reality that millions of people live everyday.  We do everything in a hurry and pack as many things as we can into our day because, when we do, we feel as though we are doing something right. And it makes sense to, doesn't it?

The more efficient we are, the more we pack into our day, allowing us to do even more.  It allows us to accomplish more; we gain prestige, money, respect...

But this idea of doing more as efficiently as possible so that we can do even more might be coming at a cost. Sometimes, doing something in the most time-efficient, or cost-effective way and cutting out all that is not absolutely  necessary, also cuts out the joy.

When everything in our lives is task-oriented and results-based, we focus on what to do and how to do it rather than why we are doing it in the first place.  We'd never do anything just for fun.  It's important to take the time to put joy back into the things you do.  Things might take a few minutes longer, but we will be happier for it. 

It can be done with even the most mundane of tasks.  Instead of emptying the dishwasher while talking on the phone and supervising the kids, hang up the phone, turn on some fun music and empty the dishwasher while you and your kids sing along together.  It will probably take a few minutes longer, but you may have a good laugh with your kids that you wouldn't have otherwise had. 

In setting the table for dinner, get out some candles, the good placemats, and the silver.  It'll take a little longer, but the meal will be enjoyed more, your family will feel special, and you'll gain a sense of pride in the ambience you created.

Remember that you get out of life what you put into it.  That often means for-going efficiency, and instead putting in some time and effort to get, not money, prestige, or respect in return, but joy.