What Will You Discontinue?

Anthony Tori

In the last couple of weeks, you’ve been reading articles that encourage you to add new routines to your life to make you healthier, wealthier or wise. 

Today, I’m going to encourage you to do something much different. I’m going to encourage you to cut things from your life. At least one thing — something that is infringing on your margin, something that will give you more time to breathe, relax and connect with God.

Most of us feel guilty for watching a movie, reading a book or napping. And it nearly takes an act of congress to carve out time to meet a friend for coffee. But in reality, these are the types of activities that help us to recharge. 

We feel guilty because our schedules are crammed full of responsibilities and activities. To read for thirty minutes a day would feel almost irresponsible.

What if you said no to the committee you’ve been serving on for years the next time you’re asked to renew your commitment? What if you decided to step down from or give up a weekly activity? 

You will probably disappoint some people along the way, but you aren’t living for the purpose of keeping people happy. 

If you can’t imagine doing that, consider what would happen if you were to move. Who would serve on the committee? Teach that weekly class? Take your place on the bowling or volleyball team? 

Who knows, right? But someone probably would. And even if nobody stepped up, that’s not on you. 

Wouldn’t it be better if you created more margin to think, pray, read, observe or create?