Several years ago a movement was started encouraging everyone to “do more with less”. This new way of thinking revolutionized much of the way we move through our daily routine. Some of the changes were economically and environmentally sound. Repurposing items such as turning old newspapers into paper pots for seedlings, or reusing a water bottle by filling it with another drink are a few examples. Have you ever saved a jar or aluminum can to collect nails, buttons, or money? How about marbles? Most of us have some sort of plastic containers that we put leftover food in to store in the fridge. Some people have taken repurposing to an extreme by reusing plastic bags several times, using old t-shirts for rags, or saving old tooth brushes for cleaning.
Then came all the time saving ideas. Some things were really pretty neat, like no iron/wrinkle free clothes. Microwave ovens started being used to cook meals instead of just heating up food and making popcorn. Oh! And if you could combine doing things at the same time, that would give you more time to do something else! Running short on time getting ready for work? Just use your battery powered electric razor to shave while driving to work. Or ladies, finish your makeup in the car. Cell phones make it possible to take care of a lot of business while doing just about anything else. Some things have become second nature such as reading mail while eating, or skipping lunch to run errands.
Evening time is usually the time that the family is most likely to be together. If you have kids in school, chances are they are involved in some sort of activity such as sports, choir, or band. With so many opportunities for young people to explore new ideas and talents, it can be challenging to keep them focused on school work. For adults, the daily routine can become the daily grind.
It is all too easy to lose focus on why we do what we do. What is our driving motivation? Why do we work so hard? Most would agree that in the back of our minds we have set goals for living the perfect life; a life that includes a significant other—a spouse. Kids, perhaps, are part of that goal. Everyone wants to feel connected to others in some meaningful way. We work hard to provide money, food, and opportunities for our self and our family. Unfortunately, we get caught up in the process and fail to fully realize the connectedness that we seek is being compromised by being so busy. Living life at full speed 24/7 leads to burnout for both adults and kids.
One simple thing that we can do to realize and increase the connectedness we seek is to take time to eat dinner together. Eating with friends and family provides an opportunity to really connect with one another. Just to all be in one place together talking about what is important to us, sharing experiences and hopes and dreams, strengthens our relationships with those most important to us. These relationships are the foundation for not only our present, but our future as well. When you take away the things that make up your life, your car, your job, even where you live and all your material possessions, what is left is the foundation relationships that you have.
By taking a little time every day to reinforce these relationships, you will keep your foundation strong. And the structure (your life) that you are building will be that much better. The same will be for everyone to whom you are connected. Studies have shown that families who sit down to dinner together, without distractions such as TV, and truly interact are happier overall. This, in turn, causes productivity to go up, study habits to improve, and grades also improve. This goes for adults and kids alike.
So, here in lies your challenge—carve out a little time every day to spend really quality time with those who are most important to you. Come back to center, realize that the connectedness you seek is your responsibility to build and keep strong. Make family dinnertime as important as work, chores, sports, and every other thing that can get in the way. You will get more out of life if you do this one simple thing.
