Why *This* Should Be Your Motto.

When I was ready to get married and have a family I felt the pressure of time. With the acceleration of technology interfering with romance, things became even more complicated. (Read “No Premarital Text“ after this!)

A moment of clarity struck when a date flaked (asked me out, confirmed even, but no time or place... you know the drill), but I got up the courage to ask him what happened.

After he shared a bunch of reasons that made no sense, he said honestly that he wasn’t looking for anything right now. I surprised myself by responding with relief. I said genuinely, “Thank you for not wasting my time.” Then I told him kindly and clearly what I was looking for right now - and that if he knew anyone, to please set me up. He wanted to see me right away.

Suddenly my perspective became so unencumbered: This is my goal. If you’re on the path with me, great. If you’re not, the sooner I know that the better. And vice versa!

I started looking at everything in my life through time. How was I spending it — in my thoughts, my emotions, on social media, and who with? My attitude shifted. If I was confused, or the other person seemed to be, I cleared it up. I didn't text with anyone other than logistics. My communication style became only clear, kind, respectful, funny, and authentic.

Thank You for Not Wasting My Time isn't about rushing through life. On the contrary. It's important to slow down and spend time on the things you want to, or need to, or enjoy spending time on. It's about valuing how you spend your time. Saving time by using clarity. Not demand, not drama, not distraction, clarity.

You can use Thank You for Not Wasting My Time anytime! It’s a grounding perspective as well as a handy motto in all areas of life. Sprinkle it on cereal. Put it in smoothies. You’ll find that you just won’t be that into someone not being that into you. You'll find that thoughts that don't serve you will take a hike. You'll appreciate little things that make you laugh.

You’ll also find that honoring your time emotionally, as well as other people’s, is the power of a lifetime. It's called a lifetime for a reason. How do you want to spend it?