What are the things that truly matter in your life? Last Sunday, I went to the lake in the morning to enjoy some sunshine and a leisurely swim. It was a perfect day off, the kind where you can feel the stress melting away with each gentle wave. After a while, a father with two young children arrived and settled down near me. I was engrossed in a book, but I couldn’t help but overhear a snippet of their conversation.

“Will you come swim with me, Dad?” the younger boy asked, his voice full of eager anticipation.

And the father’s reply? “Sorry, but I have to do some work first.” He then proceeded to take out his laptop from his bag and started working, right there on that sunny Sunday morning, by the lake, with his children playing nearby.

My heart sank a little as I witnessed this scene. It wasn’t my place to judge or intervene, but I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness for both the father and his children. He was missing out on a precious moment of connection, a chance to create a happy memory with his kids, while they were missing out on the joy of sharing that experience with their dad.

The Never-Ending To-Do List

This incident reminded me of a common struggle in today’s world: the constant pressure to be productive, to always be “on,” to never truly switch off. We carry our work with us everywhere we go, tethered to our laptops and smartphones, always checking emails, responding to messages, and trying to stay on top of the never-ending to-do list.

But the truth is, work never ends. There will always be more emails to answer, more deadlines to meet, more tasks to complete. And if we allow it, work can easily consume our lives, leaving little room for the things that truly matter – our families, our friends, our hobbies, our own well-being.

The Power of Choice

The good news is, we have a choice. We can choose to prioritise what truly matters. We can choose to set boundaries, to create space for the people and activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. And we can choose to be present in the moment, to savour the simple pleasures of life, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

This doesn’t mean that we should neglect our work or responsibilities. But it does mean that we need to find a balance, a way to integrate work into our lives without letting it consume us.

Creating a More Balanced Life

Here are a few suggestions for creating a more balanced and fulfilling life:

• Set boundaries: Define clear boundaries between work and personal time. When you’re with your loved ones, be fully present with them. Put away your phone, close your laptop, and engage in the moment.
• Prioritise your values: Identify what truly matters to you and make sure your actions align with your values. If spending time with your family is a priority, make time for it, even if it means saying “no” to other commitments.
• Schedule “do-nothing” time: Block out time in your schedule for activities that nourish your soul and bring you joy, whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk in nature, or simply spending time with loved ones.
• Practice mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness in your daily life. Pay attention to the present moment, to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. This can help you to appreciate the simple things and find joy in the everyday.
• Be kind to yourself: Don’t judge yourself harshly if you find yourself slipping back into old habits. Change takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress.

The Invitation

So, the next time you find yourself reaching for your laptop on a sunny Sunday morning by the lake, I invite you to pause and ask yourself: What truly matters in this moment? Is it the email that can wait, or is it the opportunity to connect with your loved ones and create a memory that will last a lifetime?

The choice is yours.