It’s Time: 7 Time Management Strategies to Take Back Your Calendar, Reduce Overwhelm, and Flourish on Purpose a 7-Day Plan by Najah DrakesSample

Day 6 - Is it Worth it?

"How much, Sir?"

The tone in my voice spoke volumes beyond the literal words.

I was shocked that a simple 20oz Coke could cost almost $4.

At the time, I did not consider the price of a Coke purchased at the airport must take into account costs my local convenience store does not.

Many of us are unaware of the tax we are paying to live the lifestyles we have embraced.

Migraines, missed sleep, toxic work lives, extra pounds, chaotic personal lives, languishing relationships, and off-the-chart stress levels are the daily costs many of us pay.

Shortly before my 42nd birthday, I started experiencing the most unrelenting pain.

I would soon learn the culprit was Shingles.

Shortly after delivering the diagnosis, my doctor asked, "Are you under a lot of stress?"

I considered her question for a moment.

My husband and I recently purchased a restaurant franchise.

And, for the second year in a row, I was knee-deep in the college application process with my kids.

Yet, I was unsure how to answer the question.

Like a sweater stretched beyond its original size, I had always pushed the limits of the stress-o-meter. Sadly, I never took the time to calculate the extra costs I was paying physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Shingles forced me to ask the question. Was it worth the cost?

Was it worth the constant hustle and bustle, the limited time to connect with those I truly loved, and the continued feeling of depletion and overwhelm?

When was the last time you assessed the costs you are paying for the current life you lead?

My shingles diagnosis pushed me to consider if it was time for me to pull back in some areas I had always pushed through. Those changes led to a career change, and a massive lifestyle downsize to reduce the intensity of the life I was leading.

While a massive downsize may not be the answer for you, identifying ways to lower your lifestyle's financial, mental, emotional, and spiritual costs can immediately impact your ability to flourish within the time on Earth God has granted you.

Prayer:

Lord, show me the costs of the lifestyle decisions I am making today. Amen.

Journal Prompts:

What are the costs you are currently paying for your lifestyle choices?

Where are some areas you can reduce the costs spiritually, financially, mentally, and physically?