Tic-tock … Tic-tock

I think, sometimes, about our schedules. I think about how they are supposed to be helpful; about how they are meant to assist us with our daily lives; how they should be tools to help keep our lives in order and to help keep us “on track.”
Instead, I think our schedules take on a completely different role: they rule us.
Set the alarm clock to be sure we awaken on time to get our day going. Get the coffee pot ready the night before so we have only to push the “on” button — with our eyes still closed — to get the java brewing to help get us on our way. Shower … get dressed … check your social media accounts … and maybe watch, listen to, or read the morning news.
Before we know it, it’s time to offer a smile and a quick smooch of a kiss to the other person walking out the door at about the same time before climbing into separate vehicles, cranking up the radio, maybe — for some — dropping the baby off at the sitter, and heading off to the next “scheduled” thing on our list.
Tic-tock … Tic-tock … Tic-tock.
Time marches on — with us in lock-step right behind.
One singer-songwriter called it “the curse of the second hand.” And, some days, it does feel like a curse. Or maybe more like a treadmill: always going full-speed ahead, but not getting anywhere at all.
The good news, we’re told, is that perseverance pays off. We’re told that if we just spend (read sacrifice) more and more time, energy and talent on what the world says is important we will be “successful.” And there is definitely something to be said for sticking with “it” and giving “it” your all. That is, as long as you aren’t robbing from your family — or even your own dreams — to give “it” what “it” requires to become a “success.”
There are many ways to measure success, and not all of them have to do with money, fame or fortune. Success can be measured in a man’s or woman’s integrity, in how one raises and relates to their family, and in how they treat others. Success might also be measured by taking account of what one is actually “doing.”
Are you doing what you want to do? Are you happy in your vocation or chosen career? I’ve heard it said that if you choose something you love as your vocation, you’ll never work another day in your life.
Are you loving what you do? If so, consider yourself successful, no matter what the world might say.
Still, we continue to pour that morning cup of coffee before turning toward the door and leaving — sometimes with a quick kiss and a short hug or just a cursory “goodbye” — and then heading out to conquer the world.
Tic-tock … Tic-tock … Tic-tock.