My slouched back was as a result of the ever large number of books I had to take to school everyday for the fear of
missing out. Though there was a timetable, I didn't realise its usefulness. Thus, I moved slower, came back from school heavily fatigued and unkempt and miserable.
My parents were the busy type and never bothered to ask why I took so much books to school. Now a grown up, I wonder why I did.
I needed a change of backpack almost every year due to wear and tear. This continued until my adolescent years when I realised the purpose of a time-table. It helped me prioritise, get organized and keep a straight back. I moved faster, had less fatigue and I smiled more. I realised I just simply had to prioritise my needs from my wants. I had emptied my backpack!
The above story is an example of what happens in our individual lives. We all keep a backpack where we keep
our friends, relationships, aspirations, regrets, self-image, failures, regrets, accomplishments etc. These elements either make us or mar us. They make us who we are.
However, we are unhappy and miserable from our vulnerability to lack of organization and priority. We allow impurities and vanity to weigh us down and make our journey slower. It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. I learnt to hack away at the inessential.
I learnt carrying everyone of them on life's travel will either give
me a bent back, slow my pace or make me miserable.
I aptly learnt that desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions.
Yes! Friends are wonderful. But you don't need all of them. Yes you don't!
Friends are in categories: those who will add to you; those who will subtract from you; those who will divide you and those who will multiply you. Choose wisely.
Regrets are bitter memories kept alive. Learn to let go. It is a sure way of keeping a straight back. Empty it from your backpack.
Steven Pressfield In his book "The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your
Inner Creative Battles" said, "the Principle of Priority states (a) you must know the difference between what is urgent and what is important, and (b) you must do what's important first."
As students, there is the need to have a social life embellished with social activities for a "all-round
education". Everyone needs some fun and shine at some time. However, do not get overwhelmed by its magic.
Victoria Moran, author of "Lit From Within: Tending Your Soul For Lifelong Beauty" said, "Learn to prioritize and use your time well.
A simple life is not seeing how little we can
get by with—that's poverty—but how efficiently we can put first things first. . . .
When you're clear about your purpose
and your priorities, you can painlessly discard whatever does not support these, whether it's clutter in your cabinets or commitments on your calendar." Learn from her.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
