Things I No Longer Have Time For

 

The older I get, the more selective I become with my time and energy.

Not because I think I am better than anyone else.

But because I have learned that time is valuable.

And once you realise that, you start looking at people and situations differently.

One thing I have absolutely no patience for anymore is lying.

Maybe it is because I have experienced enough in life to recognise it quickly.

Most people think they are good at lying.

In reality, they usually are not.

And once I realise someone is not being honest, something changes.

Trust is very important to me.

Without trust, there is no real friendship, relationship or connection.

Another thing I try to avoid is constant gossip.

Of course, everyone talks about other people sometimes.

That is human nature.

But there is a difference between a conversation and constantly talking negatively about others.

Whenever someone is always gossiping, I cannot help but wonder what they say when I am not around.

That kind of energy is not something I want in my life.

Something else that has changed over the years is how much I trust myself.

When I was younger, I spent a lot of time doubting myself.

I overthought things.

I worried.

I delayed decisions.

Today, I still think carefully before making important choices, but I do not spend weeks doubting myself.

If I want to do something, I do it.

Life is too short to spend all your time waiting for the perfect moment.

I have also become much more aware of where I invest my energy.

For a long time, I tried to please everyone.

I wanted people to like me.

I wanted to avoid conflict.

I wanted everyone to be happy.

The problem is that no matter how much you give, some people will never be satisfied.

That was a difficult lesson to learn.

These days, I still treat people with respect.

But I also expect respect in return.

Relationships, friendships and connections should go both ways.

Another thing I no longer do is ignore my surroundings.

A tidy home makes a huge difference to how I feel.

When my home is organised, my mind feels more organised too.

It sounds simple, but it has changed the way I live.

At 45, I have learned that protecting your peace is not selfish.

It is necessary.

You do not have to attend every argument.

You do not have to convince everyone to understand you.

And you certainly do not have to keep people in your life who constantly drain your energy.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is step back, focus on yourself and make room for the people and things that truly matter.

And honestly?

Life becomes a lot more peaceful when you do.

Love,

Shavida