A Poem to Inspire: "Leisure"

"Leisure"

by William Henry Davies

from the collection "Songs of Joy and Others" (circ.1911)

What is the life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

---

This poem resonates with me not only for the nature connection and reminder that we all need to SLOW down and see the world around us, but also it connects on a level due to so many conversations that I have in working with people and their dee health.

Time is always near the top of the list of reasons WHY our health habits are set aside. Sadly, it's been that way since I first stepped into the industry 25yrs ago when I started college. And guess what? If William Henry Davies was writing about this in 1911 (over 100 years ago now!) and we are STILL having the same discussions it's clear that the ONLY change that NEEDS to happen, MUST happen within OURSELVES.

The harsh reality is life doesn't give us time back. We have ONE life to live where we have CHOOSE how we SPEND our time. That's it. EVERYTHING we do is a CHOICE. Yes, including your work/career. It's ALL a choice.

👉If your health isn't where you want it to be - It's a CHOICE to make a change to shift it. Or not.

👉If your job/career is draining you and taking up your time in this one life - It's a CHOICE to stay and not create a change.

👉If your home is not a SAFE, COMFORTABLE retreat waiting for you to return to after a long day - It's a CHOICE whether you change your space to suit that energy. Or not.

And if you are CONSTANTLY complaining about "lack of time" or "no time" to yourself and everyone around you, and using it as a reason that you're exhausted, lacking energy and not in the state of health you wish....

It's a CHOICE to decide HOW YOU USE YOUR TIME.

CHANGE something.

STOP saying "YES" to every opportunity.

Put your energy into things that are IMPORTANT to YOU and not things that drain you or don't serve your goals/direction.

YOUR time is YOUR choice.