So, I have decided to take a break from writing this blog for a while. Although I have much to write about, sometimes the time, energy, and means to write it are not as available. And I’m in a place in my life right now where I don’t care to “push the river.”

I have to prioritize how I use my time right now. And I realized this is a good theme for my last Beliefnet blog (for now.)

What are your priorities? If you had only a limited amount of time, energy, and money (and this is true of all of us,) then how would you utilize those precious resources?

• Many of us, if we were conscious about these choices, would choose to spend more time with FAMILY. Do you have kids, a spouse, parents, grandchildren who would benefit from more of your time? Do you miss your family? This is certainly the case for me right now. My parents are both around eighty years old. Mom is relatively stable at the moment physically, but has a strong emotional need to be with her children. Dad is declining physically. He has Alzheimer’s and although he still has lucid days, his body is starting to break down quite a bit. He spends most of his days in bed, eyes closed, and we all suspect he isn’t long for this world. I want to have quality time with Dad while he’s still here on this physical plane.
• Another priority we might consider placing higher on the list is our own SELF-CARE. Do you find yourself continually putting others’ needs and demands first? If so, consider making yourself a higher priority!!!! I am learning (over and over and over again!) that I can’t pour myself so completely into the care of others that I forget about my own needs – spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical. I need to remember to set aside time for walking, being in nature, being creative, being with my spiritual cohorts, hanging with friends, spending time in solitude, having fun. All of these things are essential. Without these lynchpins of my own self-care, my own health starts to decline. And I can’t afford that – literally or figuratively.
• Are you making ends meet? Do you enjoy working? Are you able to live on this physical plane comfortably? As much as I hate to admit it, I do have to pay attention to my financial stability. The currency that is currently valued and needed in this world culture is money. As much as my spirit would prefer to live simply and trade for everything I need and want, the world is not yet set up that way. So, like it or not, I have to make money. Ideally, I make a living doing things I enjoy, or at least things that feel worthwhile and valuable, or at the very least, things which cause no harm – to me or others. And so, I focus also on my WORK (A caveat: If you are one of those people who spends the majority of your waking hours doing your job, and if it is not something you enjoy or something that fulfills you, then – I implore you – please do NOT let this continue to be a priority! Your happiness and health are so much more important than making money!!!!)
• And what about PURPOSE? Do you know what your purpose is? Are you in the process of fulfilling it? Ideally my purpose would be covered in one of the above priorities. But if it is not, then clearly doing whatever I need to do to fulfill my purpose is key! If you have never asked yourself what your purpose is on the planet at this time, I cannot stress enough how important this is. We each have a purpose and a place on this Earth. Our lives will flow along much better if we are attuned to our purpose. Don’t let this paramount task fall by the wayside! Let it be your guiding light. Ask yourself often: Am I doing what I am meant to be doing on the planet? Am I offering my gifts to the world? If you are not, then I encourage you to redirect your course.

There then. That’s my encouragement for the day. And it also explains why I need to pull back from this blog for now. I will certainly keep writing and I will keep looking for ways to inspire people, but at this time I need to take care of myself and my family, do my work, and be about my purpose.

I most sincerely wish you all the best. May you live your most glorious lives. May you be grateful, conscious, aware, loving, and joyful! May you be at peace. May you be blessed.

I have been greatly honored and blessed to have been a columnist for Beliefnet and to have been given the opportunity to touch the lives of others and to be touched in return. Blessings abound, for sure.