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Good Advice from Rip

I found the same "tip of the day" on Facebook, it was in front of a picture of "Rip" from Yellowstone. For those that watched Yellowstone, you know that Rip is everything a cowboy should be and more. I like him and I believe he probably lives his life by these words. Therefore, it has earned a post. 

What this quote means to me is: our actions and thoughts should bring us peace, profit or purpose. If our actions and thoughts don't give us the 3-Ps, don't waste our time nor our energy on them. I think this is a simple concept to live by. 

Let's start with things that bring us peace. Up until now, I have put very little thought into what "peace of mind" truly means. Peace of mind is a state of emotional or mental calmness. When you have peace of mind you can think clearly and make good decisions, it gives you a sense of purpose. In order to achieve peace of mind you need to manage your thoughts and feelings. Some suggested activities are mediation, yoga, exercise or spending time in nature. Others will find peace through religion or spirituality, personal growth or self-improvement. By setting boundaries, identifying goals and priorities peace of mind can be achieved. 

Profit is easy. Everyone has to invest time and energy to make a profit. We spend most of our adult lives working to provide for the family, and plan for retirement. 

I have come to realize having a purpose is something that is very important to me, especially now that I am in retirement. I have shared that it took me two years to get my retirement life organized into a routine. That routine gave me a purpose in life. It was exactly what I had read about. Having a purpose provides mental and emotional well-being. I like the bonuses that come with purposeful activities. They include improved cognitive functioning, higher life satisfaction, longer lifespans, and less likely to suffer from health issues such as heart disease and stroke. It is simple, when in retirement you now have the time to explore new interests, hobbies and passions. By volunteering, pursuing hobbies, setting personal goals and building relationships it gives retired people a purpose. 

So now let's consider Part B of this quote, "time, energy or attention". I am only speaking for myself, but I feel the older I get the more I value my time. Like a friend of mine says, "I wonder what we would do if we knew our best before date had arrived". It seems everyone can waste time on things that don't bring joy or contentment. That is how we roll. I rather like the saying, "time well spent" and I need to make sure I say it, and it happens more often.    

Some people have an incredible amount of energy; they are what I call movers and shakers. As we age our energy level takes a real hit. Some people become very relaxed and laid back and they are content with it. Others are on the move and are making sure they have done everything they wanted to do in their lives. I have noticed that I have lots of energy if it is something I want to do. I don't want to waste my time on something I don't want to do. Hence, procrastination is something I am becoming very good at.  

Last up is attention. Attention to me means a focus. There are times when I focus or put my attention to things I can't change or are simply none of my business. I like to think everyone is just as guilty as I am of thinking we have the right solution for other people's problems. When I focus on my issues and pay attention to things that bring me peace of mind or a purpose, I am in a much better space.  

I think we all have ways in which we bring peace, profit and purpose into our lives. It is dependent on what stage in our lives we are at. As is everything in life, it is a work in progress. I now have a better awareness of how to have peace of mind. To me, being at peace and having a peace of mind are two different things. By no means should you wait until retirement to have peace of mind or a purpose. My hope is that everyone reading this post wakes up every day with the energy they need to have the best day they can.     



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