Happy Monday and Happy June!

I hope you made time for self-care and reflection over the weekend!

I was sitting on the beach with a dear friend the other day, and she told me a hilarious story that ended by referencing an expression about borrowed time. The story was quite literal in content, but the next day I began thinking about what it would be like to live knowing the expiration dates of various things.

Now, I wasn’t being morbid or focusing on the end of life. I was thinking about how many opportunities we miss when we forget that a timeline may be involved. True, it’s never too late to begin something for which we’re gifted or feel passionate. That’s not what I mean. It’s more about the negativity we give over to without really thinking about the consequences or losses.

Take anger, for example. There are several thoughts I found that express the detriment of anger. Here are a few:

“One minute of anger weakens the immune system for 4-5 hours. One minute of laughter boosts the immune system for 24 hours.” Author Unknown

“Speak when you are angry, and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” Ambrose Bierce

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” Buddha

“Anger makes us feel so isolated.” Fred Rogers

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20 (NIV)

Nothing positive or uplifting here.

Then I redirected my thoughts to ways to prevent anger, which can turn into rage if left unchecked. What if there was a system to preempt the anger default. I was contemplating this when I heard the song Good to Be Alive by Jason Gray. The lyrics hit me square in the middle of my reflection:

Quotes About Borrowed Time. QuotesGram

What a game-changer! We sometimes get so entrenched in our defaults that we fail to consider other options that would make us much happier on many levels. Imagine if we didn’t hold all of that stress and tension in our necks and shoulders. We could regain movement, allow blood to flow more efficiently, and diminish the headaches, jaw pain, and lightheadedness that accompanies automatic negative responses.

Or, what about our stomachs? Imagine no ulcers, IBS, sour sensations, and all the other not-so-pretty physical responses. What if, finally, the brain fog lifted, and we were able to quickly discern next moves and open a new world of creativity. And what about enjoying our free time, truly experiencing refreshment and renewal. Maybe we’d be present and attentive to whoever was sitting across the table. Imagine the possibilities!

I wonder if adopting a perspective of living on borrowed time might be the antidote to depression, anxiety, fear, rejection, and many other emotional and mental maladies. I wonder how many lives would be changed for the better if we began to model the positive benefits to our children and friends. Perhaps we could make a difference in our small groups that would impact far beyond our limited reach.

This week, take a look at what’s preventing us from living our best lives, then consider how the concept of borrowed time might be beneficial to us and those in our circle of influence. The results may prove surprising!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda