A Thousand Mornings and Ben Franklin
"What is this schedule thing under the glass on the desk?" he asked. "Oh, that is just Ben Franklin's daily schedule that I printed." I responded. He looked at me as if I had three heads and didn't ask any more questions, probably not wanting to engage in another crazy Amanda "idea"
A few weeks ago I came across an article on time management that referenced Ben Franklin's daily schedule. Since I am always seeking ways to improve my time management, I was fascinated at how good ol' Ben organized his day, allotting time for personal reflection, social affairs, reading, and of course work. I find that more often than not the day can get away from me leaving no time for personal reflection, self improvement, etc. Work and my "social" time (i.e. Social Media) consumes my day. SO....I decided to take on the challenge of working a modern version of Ben Franklin's schedule.Of course, I am not the first to have this fascination...think Franklin Planners...but I am catching on late...See more about Ben's productivity tricks here.
I am a work in progress, so some days have been better than others - but when I focus on working the plan, I find time for personal fitness, reflection, reading, and even gardening. Of course, I love the thought of a well rounded day, filled with more than endless hours at the computer working and tending to my social media. :)
What does this have to do with A Thousand Mornings? Well....this morning I was reading through some motivational blogs and came across a poem that Glennon Melton on Momastery posted by Mary Oliver - short and sweet, it offers "Instructions for Living a Life" which are: Pay attention.
Be astonished. Tell about it.” So simple, yet so true....when we stop and PAY ATTENTION, even to the slightest things...our days have the potential to be so great. When we take away cynicism and add wonder & astonishment...the day can go from great to amazing! When we take a moment to share that wonder with a loved one or even a stranger, we are gifting the miracle of God to that person.
I think of my friend Deb with this poem....we both LOVE sunsets. When we witness a sunset of extraordinary beauty we share it with each other...through a random text. No words are needed, just knowing that God's beauty is speaking to us through the sunset and linking our friendship....it always lifts my spirit when I get one of these random texts. We are sharing in God's wonder, and I am reminded that my friend is out there thinking of me and I of her. Feeling loved is ALMOST as good as giving love.
That's how it worked, a small article on time management came full circle in leading me to a most splendid poet and reminding me of a treasured friendship.
A few weeks ago I came across an article on time management that referenced Ben Franklin's daily schedule. Since I am always seeking ways to improve my time management, I was fascinated at how good ol' Ben organized his day, allotting time for personal reflection, social affairs, reading, and of course work. I find that more often than not the day can get away from me leaving no time for personal reflection, self improvement, etc. Work and my "social" time (i.e. Social Media) consumes my day. SO....I decided to take on the challenge of working a modern version of Ben Franklin's schedule.Of course, I am not the first to have this fascination...think Franklin Planners...but I am catching on late...See more about Ben's productivity tricks here.
I am a work in progress, so some days have been better than others - but when I focus on working the plan, I find time for personal fitness, reflection, reading, and even gardening. Of course, I love the thought of a well rounded day, filled with more than endless hours at the computer working and tending to my social media. :)
What does this have to do with A Thousand Mornings? Well....this morning I was reading through some motivational blogs and came across a poem that Glennon Melton on Momastery posted by Mary Oliver - short and sweet, it offers "Instructions for Living a Life" which are: Pay attention.
Be astonished. Tell about it.” So simple, yet so true....when we stop and PAY ATTENTION, even to the slightest things...our days have the potential to be so great. When we take away cynicism and add wonder & astonishment...the day can go from great to amazing! When we take a moment to share that wonder with a loved one or even a stranger, we are gifting the miracle of God to that person.
I think of my friend Deb with this poem....we both LOVE sunsets. When we witness a sunset of extraordinary beauty we share it with each other...through a random text. No words are needed, just knowing that God's beauty is speaking to us through the sunset and linking our friendship....it always lifts my spirit when I get one of these random texts. We are sharing in God's wonder, and I am reminded that my friend is out there thinking of me and I of her. Feeling loved is ALMOST as good as giving love.
That's how it worked, a small article on time management came full circle in leading me to a most splendid poet and reminding me of a treasured friendship.
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