Religion and politics. These are potentially the most volatile topics that can be shared among people.
So much so, that many a bartender has forbid these topics to even be mentioned, let alone debated, while consuming alcohol.
And for good reason, these twin flames contain a certain charge that can quickly bring normally sane people to blows.
Politics aside, many people have their own “religions”. These are hobbies and activities that have nothing to do with prayer, the Bible, or church- but could easily be called a form of worship nonetheless.
Maybe it’s sports, video games, or watching TV. Or even activities that most of us regard as “healthy”, like exercising, reading a book, or playing an instrument.
So, What’s Your Religion?What’s Important To You?
A while back, I had a phone session with a young woman who called me with some concerns about her husband.
Apparently he had an “intense interest” in sports.
She was worried about her marriage, and truly felt abandoned during certain seasons of the year.
It seemed that if it wasn’t football, it was multiple fantasy football leagues. And if it wasn’t football, then basketball- both professional and collegiate-was a major obsession to her husband.
You see, in a case like this, sports were in fact his “religion”. He worshipped them, and the obsession occupied his mind to the exclusion of his most important human relationship.
His hobby had become a hindrance, she felt ignored a good part of the year, and this was not what she signed up for.
And let’s face it, being lonely in your own marriage is a horrible feeling.
Seek Balance in all things
Am I saying that sports, hobbies, and other activities are a bad thing?
Of course not.
I believe Dieter F. Uchtdorf was really onto something when he said:
“Any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice”.
A full and complete life contains many of these joys. However, we need to be conscious and mindful that they do not upset a healthy balance. They have their rightful place- no more, and no less.
Stretch, Grow, Become
Beginning today, take a deep look at your clock, your calendar, and your checkbook.
Honestly ask yourself- What’s important? What really matters in my life?
How do I spend my time? Am I using it wisely or wasting it on distractions?
Where is my money going? Am I spending it on things to make me feel better in the moment, buying more “stuff”– or am I investing it in people and things that make a difference?
And more importantly, “what’s my return on investment?”
Remember, time and money are our greatest assets and it’s critical that we spend them wisely.
In fact, I would say that time is much, much more valuable. You could win a multi-million dollar lottery tomorrow and it wouldn’t add another day to your life.
Think about that the next time you spend an entire day “killing time” doing (fill in the blank).
Lastly, I recommend journaling your ideas on paper. Commit to investing time and money in people, places, and things that truly matter to you. Something always happens when we think it through, put pen to paper, and move towards the life we really want for ourselves.
Change isn’t easy. If it was, we’d all be livin’ the dream. Having a coach who takes people from where they are to where they want to be makes all the difference. Contact me today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Copyright © 2019 Scott Milnes All Rights Reserved