Many years ago, I started looking for a way to simplify my life. Taking some clues from the writing of Stephen Covey and what I knew from my work with strategic planning, I began to review my goals and establish a picture of my life for myself.

I reviewed all the things I did that gave me pleasure and contributed to my quality of life and the lives of others: my family, my community, and my profession. I considered what my talents and gifts were and how they best found expression. I looked at those parts of my life that gave me little or no pleasure. I decided I wanted time to do the things that were of value to me. I made some decisions…

Now I try to use my newly-created time to do the things I value. I have more time to write – an activity I value. I have more time to talk with other educators about issues of concern and challenge to me – an activity I value. I have more time to be with my family – an integral part of the gift of life and a great value to me. My life is not perfect, but it does make more sense to me. When I stepped back and reflected on my life, these were some of the choices I made for me. They have given me the gift of time. What about you? How can you give yourself the give of time?

(Read more on this in my article called Gift of Time: Stepping Back and Making Sense at www.annedavies.com/images/PDFs/gift_of_time.pdf


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“Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable.”
~ Sidney J. Harris

“What we desperately need in business is reflection. Not more planning. Not more strategizing. More reflection.”
~ John Dalla Costa

Anne Davies has begun to share some of her tranquil moments through her paintings and writing. Find out more at:
http://connect2learning.com/store/publications/art-reflection