Читать книгу Above and Beyond - J.S. Dorian - Страница 9

“My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent.”

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

When I heard the phrase “window of opportunity” in connection with a space-shuttle launch, I could see a clear parallel in my own life. Because of illness, I have a limited amount of energy and often must push through pain in order to get things done. Within each day’s window of opportunity I usually choose the activities that provide the biggest payoff and most satisfaction.

Today I chose yoga class over housecleaning. Yesterday I chose gardening over shopping and cooking. The day before yesterday you may have gone to the mall instead of visiting your mother.

The problem is that your enjoyment and satisfaction in the activities you choose are often overshadowed by guilt. You can’t help feeling at times that you are being selfish by choosing pleasure over responsibility and self-enrichment over service to others.

But in truth there’s no valid reason for you to feel guilty. You’re not a selfish person and never have been. This is a very challenging time in your life. Like the space-shuttle astronauts, if you don’t take advantage of your windows of opportunity each day, you’ll never get off the ground.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Doing things for myself is just as important as getting things done for others.