The month of August helped enforce the things in life that are important. We spend so much time worrying about what we have, with an emphasis on attaining more. These things take time, money and effort to maintain and acquire. The cost is high. We work long hours and forfeit our health, family, friends and enjoyment in the process. So if you wonder, why I’ve been scarce this summer – it’s because I’m taking the time.

Take the Time

I make sure that every day involves a bit of time for myself. And every week I try to connect with friends and family, especially my daughter. I share my trials and tribulations. I play my guitar, read, enjoy nature, good food and make sure that I am looking after the things that count.

Every August long weekend, I attend an annual event with a group of friends at a beautiful cottage in Ontario’s Muskoka region. It is one of the highlights of the year for me. Not because of the beauty and not because of the time away from everyday life but because of the company of friends (that I may not get a chance to see very often because of proximity and schedules). This connection and reconnection to people that are important to me is something I look forward too. It makes me realize how special our time is.

This summer was so much more. Just after my special weekend, my daughter arrived from England to spend some of her summer vacation with me. Though I talk with her every week, I had not seen her for 26 months, an eternity. When she arrived it was a dream come true. I knew why I was here and enjoyed every moment spent. We visited more friends and family, all the time wishing it would never end. The memories and time spent can’t be taken away from me but things that I own can disappear in a flash (and in the past they have). You can take them away but can’t take away the love and memory.

After a wonderful highlight of time spent with my daughter, I had a surprise last minute visit from my brother, whom I hadn’t seen for several years. Again, distance and other circumstances keep us apart. That instant connection, the same one I had with my daughter, quickly melted away the time that we had missed. I also attended a wedding celebration of my oldest friend, who has lived in Korea for almost 10 years and out of province for most of 2 decades. It was great to meet his bride and spend time with his family (and he has a little one on the way). To top the summer off, my sister will be getting married in a few weeks. What a summer.

It’s Fleeting

Now if that doesn’t top the cake, to hit home just how important the things in life are – a close friend has a relative that needs to undergo heart surgery. Sounds important doesn’t it. The perspective should make you think about what you can replace and what you really need. People and events can not be replaced.

In true synchronicity, Tess over at The Bold Life, submitted a video posting on being grateful. Take the time to view it and realize that all we have is today. The people around us and the beauty in the world is enough to be thankful for. It’s not the things, it’s the things in life that are important.

What’s important in your life? Do yourself a favour. Take the time!

if you liked this post, take a gander at these ones!

• Release your Inner Tortoise and Slow Down
• The Finer Things in Life
• rants, raves & rhetoric: the 3rs – july 29, 2011
• It’s all about Quality over Quantity
• life’s a journey, not a destination