on the real | choosing our commitments

I know I haven't been writing much these days, and haven't written anything close to profound in awhile.  I've had to make some choices lately ... choices about my time and what I do with it.  As much as I love blogging  and writing, I've come to realize that there are days (many days) when I just can't do it.  The time I used to dedicate to blogging (or my novel-writing) has been exchanged to either extra time in the office (see picture above - my life lately) or time to tend to a personal life if I want to make that a happy one.

"There are times when even the best of us have trouble with commitment and we may be surprised at the commitments we're willing to let slip out of our grasp.  Commitments are complicated.  We may surprise ourselves by the commitments we're willing to make.  True commitment takes effort and sacrifice.  Which is why sometimes we have to learn the hard way to choose our commitments very carefully."  (Grey's Anatomy)

Yes, I know, I just went there.  Quoting Grey's Anatomy.  Honestly, I'm not a fan of the show, but my cousin was a big fan and would encourage me to watch it.  I have to admit, they have great monologues.  Anyhow, on one of the times I caved to my cousin's pleadings, it was the episode this quote came from, and it stuck with me somehow.  I think it's because it's something I think about a lot.  And lately, I've been thinking about it a lot more.

Choosing our commitments.

Choosing my commitments is something that I pride in.  Because over time and many trial and errors, I've learned that not only are commitments complicated, but they also require time, energy, and a lot of work and sacrifice.  So, it has become important to me to be selective about the commitments I make.  I know sometimes it takes away from living spontaneously or grasping the moment or being swept away, but commitments should be lasting, and not fleeting.  And only time can tell when something is lasting.  Time has proven that the commitments I did choose carefully are still a part of my life.  And thus, the rewards have definitely been worth the sacrifice.  

I'm not ready to give up blogging yet.  I am still working and trudging along with my novel.  But, right now, until I can figure out where I can fit both in, they will have to take a limited time slot in my schedule.  I'll be back to it.  But, right now, life has thrown other things in the mix - things I've decided I want to commit to.  Let's see where it goes.  I can only pray that I've chosen wisely.