Obedience isn’t the first virtue that comes to mind when I consider ways that I can strive for a life of everyday holiness. But putting it into practice in a few small ways has helped me to see the goodness that can flow from not allowing myself to be my own guide or god.
For all of us — students, young professionals, aspiring artists, members of families and communities, loyal friends, and more — time is a limited resource. Thoughtfully considering how we use the hours that we have been given, and maybe incorporating the wisdom of people who have gone before us, can impact the quality of our work, our satisfaction, and ultimately, our lives.
The social distancing brought on by COVID-19 has forced me to examine and renegotiate what it really means to live in an atmosphere of growth. While growth previously included a heavy dose of travel and seeking new cultural experiences in my city, giving these things up doesn’t mean that I have to stop growing. I just need to get a little bit more creative.
Door-slamming isn’t a practice that I’d recommend, but I learned some valuable lessons from one surprising outburst. I’m taking those lessons with me as I tread more gently across my threshold.
It’s hard enough to accept our own limitations, let alone to have someone else draw attention to them. But not only is receiving feedback a component of most jobs, it’s also a doorway to growth. Learning how to accept and integrate negative feedback productively has made me a better employee, co-worker, and person.
It’s easy to let days, weeks and months slip by without stepping outside my usual routine. Making lists of what I want to do helps me to focus my time and energy on the things that I value and love.
This twist on New Year’s Resolutions helps me reflect and start the year with enthusiasm and direction.
Getting clear about what we don’t value enough to spend time on helps us ensure that there is enough time to spend on the things that we do value. It can be easy to mindlessly waste time, and making a list of what we won’t do can help keep us from slipping into the time-waste vortex.
There are more satisfying ways to spend screen time than scrolling social media. Here are three.
Whether January 1 or September 1 marks the beginning of your mental year, it’s never a bad time to set goals that help you make the most of your hours.
Teresa Coda 