And yet, why am I so wedded to my laptop? Heck, even my iPhone feels like it’s an extension of my body. Have you ever lost your phone and felt you’d misplaced your heart? Shakespeare wrote, “I wasted time, and now time doth waste me.” And Shakespeare never owned an iPhone 11.
Seneca, 1,500 years older than Shakespeare, wrote, “Life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear for the future.” Two of Seneca’s wise books, “On the Shortness of Life,” and “On Leisure,” are perfect reminders for us all during these shambolic times. While they are simply extended letters to a family member and friend, they may serve you well. They do me.
The truth is, other than the joyful moments when I use my laptop to write these Wisdom Well posts, most of my relationship with tech can feel like a waste of time, either due to my lack of purpose or discipline, or others not acknowledging the time game we’re playing. Seneca was fascinated that people were cautious about how they lent their money to others, but people were lavish in their disbursement when it came to time.
He wrote, “Men do not let anyone seize their estates, and if there is the slightest dispute about their boundaries, they rush to stones and arms, but allow others to encroach on their lives — why, they themselves even invite in those who will take over their lives.” Seneca figured this out way before Mark Zuckerberg.
Ultimately, we must come to realize that time (unlike money) is not a renewable resource. And leisure is not something you do once the work is done. The work is never done, which is why we must schedule our leisure first. It’s the only way to slow down life. I can’t say I’m an expert at this, but I’m now leaving my laptop (having finished this post) to go out for my scheduled swim.
In Mexico we say, “Estoy mejorando.” I’m getting better.
One lap at a time.
P.S. I hope you’ll join me for episode #8 of the Happy Hour Show.
Joining us as our special guest is Shelley Paxton, a Chicago-based author, international speaker, and transformational coach – aka Liberator of Souls. Prior to her career reinvention, she served as VP, Global Marketing + Brand (CMO) of Harley-Davidson. She is a trash-talking, funny-as-hell storyteller, book author and podcaster. This is a ride you don’t want to miss and you’ll especially enjoy it if you’ve been considering a massive transition in your life.
Here’s what to expect:
- Nuggets from her life at Harley Davidson
- Shelley’s moment of truth, that enabled her to transition from CMO to CSO (Chief Soul Officer)…the true twisties
- An understanding of her mission to liberate a billion souls. So what’s the plan here?
- Juicy excerpts from her book “Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel’s Guide to Finding Your Best Life”
- A passionate share about the Life is Priceless Foundation
Click here to reserve your spot. See you this Thursday evening, July 23rd at 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET.