Life Is Short (How to Spend It Wisely)
Added: May 6, 2024
In this podcast episode, Mel Robbins discusses the concept of time slipping away like a melting ice cube and emphasizes the importance of being intentional about spending time with loved ones before it's too late.Key takeaways
Time is precious and fleeting, making it crucial to be intentional about how we spend it with our loved ones before it's too late.
Prioritizing relationships requires both acknowledgment of their importance and actionable steps to ensure quality time is spent together.
Using a calendar to schedule time for loved ones not only demonstrates commitment but also helps in making these relationships a priority amidst busy lives.
Minimizing distractions, especially from smartphones, is essential for meaningful interactions and being fully present with family and friends.
Simple gestures of connection, like sending a text or sharing a video, can significantly strengthen relationships and convey care and thoughtfulness.
Embracing Prioritization and Presence
Robbins talks about the urgency she feels as her son, Oakley, is about to graduate from high school, reflecting on missed opportunities and moments she regrets not being present for in the past. She encourages listeners to identify the people in their lives they want to prioritize and make a commitment to spend more time with them.
Setting Priorities for Quality Time
The first step Robbins suggests is to declare that spending time with a specific person is a priority. By acknowledging that time is slipping away and expressing the desire to make the most of it, individuals can set the intention to be more present and engaged with their loved ones. This acknowledgment taps into the grief of missed opportunities, serving as a motivational force to make changes in the present.
Communicating Commitment to Loved Ones
The next important step is to communicate this commitment to the person or people involved. Robbins shares her experience of telling her son, Oakley, and her husband about her intention to be more present in their lives. By vocalizing this commitment, individuals hold themselves accountable and set the stage for a more intentional approach to spending time with loved ones.
Committing to Prioritizing Relationships
Robbins emphasizes the significance of putting these intentions into action by marking dates in the calendar. By scheduling time for activities and events with loved ones, individuals make a tangible commitment to prioritize these relationships. She shares how she incorporated Oakley's school and sports events into her work calendar, ensuring that she is present for important moments in his life.
Making Time for Family
In addition to prioritizing time with her son, Robbins also discusses the importance of making time for her parents, especially as her father's 80th birthday approaches. Despite the distance between them, she recognizes the need to schedule visits and make an effort to maintain a strong connection with her parents. By putting these dates in the calendar, she ensures that she sets aside time for meaningful interactions with her family.
Proactive Planning for Family Time
Robbins highlights the significance of using a calendar to plan and mark important dates for family gatherings and celebrations. She stresses the importance of taking the initiative to coordinate schedules and make time for loved ones, rather than waiting for others to make plans. She emphasizes the need to be proactive in scheduling time with family members, even if it means planning events well in advance to ensure everyone can participate. She encourages listeners to prioritize spending time with loved ones for their own fulfillment and happiness, rather than seeking validation or recognition from others.
The Value of Being Present
Robbins discusses the importance of finding ways to fit into the lives of family members and be present in small, meaningful ways. She emphasizes the value of being present in day-to-day activities and finding opportunities to connect with loved ones in their daily routines. She shares strategies for staying engaged and involved in the lives of family members, such as joining them in activities they enjoy or finding ways to be present without disrupting their schedules.
Minimizing distractions for meaningful interactions
Another key point in the podcast is the importance of being present and minimizing distractions, particularly the use of smartphones. Robbins highlights the negative impact of constant phone use on relationships and emphasizes the need to be fully present and engaged when spending time with loved ones. She shares personal experiences of prioritizing quality time with family members and being mindful of distractions that can detract from meaningful interactions.
The Power of Simple Gestures
Robbins also discusses the power of simple gestures, such as sending a text or sharing a video, to stay connected with loved ones. She emphasizes the value of regular communication and staying in touch with family members, even if physical distance separates them. She encourages listeners to create group chats or communication channels to stay connected with extended family members and friends, fostering a sense of closeness and connection despite geographical distances.
Robbins shares a story of decorating Oakley's high school bus before a ski team race, highlighting the joy and connection that can come from being present and involved in loved ones' lives. She emphasizes that even small gestures can make a significant impact and strengthen relationships.
Related episodes
