The Trouble is, You Think You Have Time
I’d planned to write about something craft-related this week, but reality slapped me instead. I got word today that a friend and fellow western author passed away, Kari Lynn Dell. If you’ve never read her books, check them out. They’re real rodeo romance. She knew, because she was she rode the rodeo road, when she wasn’t running her family cattle ranch in Montana. She had an amazing spirit, and the world is dimmer today, without her.
That lady crammed more into life than anyone I know, and her passing made me think:
See, we all think we have time.
Life seems long, and we get wrapped up in the day-to-day, the micro-view of our world. Work, family, the house, the laundry, details, details, details.
But what about the macro-view?
What is your passion? Have you found yours yet? If so, is your life now feeding it or starving it?
Yes, I know it’s hard. You have a full life, even before ‘indulging’ in your passion. We relegate it to someday, or when I have time.
But what if you don’t have time? If your time came tomorrow, would you be happy with what you’ve done? Left undone? If not, you have to MAKE time for what feeds your soul.
How? I can’t say for you, but when I realized writing was my passion, I had kids still at home, worked full time, and and a very full life. – I didn’t have time for writing too!
Then I read a life-altering blog: Organizing: 3 Big Chunks. by Randy Ingermanson, He suggests you have time in your life for 3 big things. You get to choose what they are. Point is, that if writing can’t be one of those, it won’t happen.
That’s when I started getting up at 3 am to write for two hours before I had to get ready for work. I wrote 3 books that way, before I sold. I made writing one of those big three.
Writing may not be your passion. But whatever is, it may be time to reassess. You may not have time.
Kari and I, in happier times. Godspeed my friend.
You are so right, I loved Kari Lynn’s Rodeo series and her deep love of it came through. We don’t have an invite time, my expiration date gets closer each day. I enjoy tour books and are so glad you found your passion. As for me I write, for myself, and I am learning to play the organ. At 74 , I know time is limited so the house isn’t as clean, the small things don’t bother me as much, and I try to make sure and tell those I love they are important to me.
So glad you’re embracing your passion, Sarah. Yeah, I don’t worry what people think anymore. Or if I look great. I try, but no matter what, I’m still 65. And proud to have the opportunity to get up every day.
Love this. So sad yesterday to here of Kari’s passing. She lived life on her terms and we’re so much better for having known her. You touch others lives in a most unique way. Just as blessed to have you. Thank you fir the message.
Oh Marie, you made me tear up. Thank you.
Thanks for a very good reminder.
Almost 35 years ago, when I was diagnosed with cancer a psychologist said to me, “You need to think about the things you’ve always been going to do, “one day,” and do some of them now.”
I did. I nearly melted my credit card doing it, but I learned to fly.
Best decision ever. 😀
…and I too will my Kari’s voice, her humor, and her warmth.
Good for you, Kathy, and I’m just sorry it took getting cancer to get you started. My husband is a pilot, too!
Laura,
Thank you so much for this thought provoking post. I have found my passion in writing. But it is true that I need to take time to smell the flowers as well. I am reminded lately that I’m not a spring chicken anymore so I need to do the things that bring me joy as well as the things that must be done. I miss you.
Nikki, you ARE a spring chicken compared to me! I’m just happy to get out of bed every morning.
Trying to focus on the macro-view! Hugs, miss you too!
I loved Kari’s books, and her life was so full. I told her on FB a couple of times that I didn’t know how she accomplished everything she did in her daily life. Now I understand. She was living life to her fullest, knowing her time was limited. I feel so much sympathy for her family and friends. I will always remember the day of her passing though, since it was the 44th anniversary of my mom’s death.
Ah Marla, I’m so sorry about your mom. She must have been so young!
I think if you read her newspaper stories, you’ll see that Kari always lived a chock=ful life.
We could do worse, eh?
I miss her already.
I have 2 of Kari’s books on my TBR shelf. And yes, you must decide what is important and do them. There may not be a tomorrow to count on. I am 73 and the oldest of 6. My brother, the youngest of the siblings, passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer. He fought it for years and did do those things important to him. My mother, on the other hand, kept putting things for herself off for her family. She died at 47, 4 weeks to the day after they discovered she had cancer. She never got to enjoy the work she put into her family. It still breaks my heart that she never got to see us get married or to meet any of her grandchildren. None of use should reach any age or crossroad in live and realize that we didn’t do at least something that was important to us, for ourselves.
Oh Patricia, I’m so sorry for your sadness. But I’m glad you’ve done what you wanted, and lived the lift you wanted. That’s all we have control over, right? Best to you.