This is generally what my typical weekend looks like: jamming in more than what comfortably fits. However, this weekend I had a change of pace. With no place to be or people to see, I found myself wandering around Shepparton Marketplace with a kombucha in hand and no main goal.
I was following the slow-moving crowds when a woman wove her way through, running after another lady up ahead. When she reached her, the woman handed over a $5 note that she had seen drop from the lady's purse.
It was a moment of simple honesty. A moment that displayed that woman's character.
Some people may be thinking it was $5, big deal. But regardless of the amount — whether it was $5 or $100 — I fully believe that woman would have done the exact same thing. Why? Because honesty is not contingent on circumstances. You are either an honest person or you're not; but whichever it is, people very quickly learn which category you fall into.
My question is, what qualities do you want to be known for?
If every person who knew you was told to write down five words that described you, what would they be? And does that line up with what you would want them to be?
I know at times the five words I would hope for would be quite different to those that would be written about me.
But I think it all comes down to prioritising our personal values in life. By that, I mean living out the qualities we hope to be known for, but also setting aside time to do the things we love.
It’s the fun things in life that always seem to be considered less important and are the first things to be dropped from our lives when times are stressful — as soon as the busyness of life takes over and we get so consumed by our work or the things we have to do, rather than the things we want to do, I think that is where our downfall can be as humans.
For me, making the most of my weekends is a big thing — I need to get out and go on an adventure. It's the difference between feeling good and recharged on a Monday or feeling completely ripped off when starting work again for another week.
Being creative is also something I value. Although it seems to be the first thing to slip under the radar in life's chaos, I know every time I get back to doing photography or drawing or making something with my hands, it's like a spark is reignited.
Life is all about balance.
Work to live but don't live to work.
Make time for the fun stuff.
Prioritise what is most important to you personally and strive to be the best person you can be.
