I spent a Saturday afternoon in mid-February at a funeral and luncheon honoring the life and legacy of Sylvia Leski, the feisty, much-loved mother of our long-time sales rep, Linda Holland.
No one enjoys attending a funeral. They are solemn occasions, and the feeling of loss and sadness is palpable. We go because we care – about the person who passed or those picking up the pieces after their departure.
And yet there was something surprisingly lovely about this Saturday. For one, it was clear to all of us gathered that Sylvia had a full, fabulous life. And there is a sweetness amidst the sadness when you gather to pay tribute to a life well-lived. But, beyond that, I was struck by how foreign every moment sitting in the pew felt.
The sound and speed of this Saturday felt like I was in another country. No phones were out. The music was soft and soothing. Those who spoke about Sylvia – her brother, son and the priest – spoke slowly and thoughtfully. People moved calmly and carefully. The frenzied freight train of modern life was halted at the hallowed doors of St. James Catholic Church in Novi – and it was a shock to my system.
Later that weekend, in a reflective mood, I felt a sadness beyond the loss of Linda’s mom. What have we lost as a society that if someone isn’t a regular churchgoer, the only time life seems to let up is at a funeral? Why are we pushing ourselves so hard? Where are our priorities? Life for most of us is really out of control. We need to get a grip. I know I do. I’m pretty sure you do, too.
In this month’s cover story, we offer you some tips to do just that in some key areas of your life. Consider it a spring cleaning for your soul.
All the stuff that consistently weighs on you – chronic sleep deprivation, kids acting up, house in disarray – can drag you down day after day, week after week, year after year. So, let’s tackle it. Let’s be mindful about the “why” and how to fix it. And, perhaps more importantly, let’s surrender on the little stuff that bogs us down and really means nothing in the end.
Get your house clean “enough” so you can get more sleep. Stop trying to be everything to everyone. Be mindful about how you’re spending your time. Is this going to matter in the end? Who are you doing this for? When your family is one day paying tribute to you like Sylvia’s was last month, will it matter? If you’re not sure, ask yourself this: Will this add to the peace and contentment of my family or myself? If you don’t think so or aren’t sure, then don’t do it.
Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start. Let’s purge our lives of the chatter, get a grip on the chaos, stop beating our heads against the same wall and craft a more balanced life full of intent.
