It seems these days I’m so busy being busy that I sometimes lose perspective on what’s most important.

I woke up Monday morning with about 37 things to get done and of course, they were all “top priorities.” In fact, I was so preoccupied with everything I needed to do, I forgot to put the diaper bag in the car and I drove right over it…which was pretty traumatic for my two year old who’s baby doll ended up with tire tracks all over her face!

Once I got to work, I was so laser focused on getting everything done that I barely murmured a hello to my co-workers and the last thing I had time to do was to chat about the weekend.

I went about my normal yet crazy Monday until life smacked me right straight in the face.

I got news that my dear friend suffered a very serious seizure and ended up in critical care in the hospital.

Within a blink of a second what seemed liked the most important stuff in the world became so small and irrelevant. I couldn’t remember what was so important earlier in the day that I couldn’t have taken two minutes to greet my co-workers with a cheerful “hello and good morning”?

I guess it takes serious things in life to make you actually stop for a minute and think about where you are focusing your time and energy.

Life should be so much more than just surviving another day.
We’re never not going to be busy, but we can choose every day how we live each moment. We should make the time for others, take the time to care, share all that we have to give.

That’s how my friend who’s in the hospital lives his life, and it’s one of the things that I admire and appreciate most about him. No matter how busy he is, how many meetings he has scheduled or emails to respond to, he always always makes time to offer a helping hand, connect with new people and ask folks how they are doing. And he doesn’t just ask people how they are doing and moves on, but he actually cares about the answer.

He knows life is about more than just getting by. He knows it’s about never taking one second for granted and truly “showing up” for life and being present every day.

I know my friend will be back in action soon and stronger than ever. Until then, I will be more like him, and I will make the time to live and love more.

Today I will make the time to ask a co-worker how he’s doing.

Today I will make the time to call a friend and see how her kids are enjoying summer.