Have you ever been to a BBQ where there were so many scrumptious foods and deserts that your plate looked less like a meal and more like Mount Deliciousness. A mountain you must conquer or die trying?

Get ready for a metaphor for controlling the flow of our lives…

There are so many important tasks that need to be accomplished, things to be done, so many vacancies that need to be filled by someone responsible.

The question is…HOW do we get it all done? And… how do we do a GOOD job at it?

Answer?…Be selective about what you serve yourself.

Take it from me, your picnic plate will eventually break under too much weight.This is also true for your emotional well-being.  And…from my own experience, your emotional plate will break from being piled too high. You just can’t take every opportunity.

Only so many tasks can be performed in a 24-hour period. When we log jam our lives we only end up suffering and sweating the small stuff every minute and feeling like a failure at the end of the day.

Your life doesn’t have to be like this. If your life IS this way, it’s because you are choosing it. Simply make another choice.  Easier said than done.

Keeping our image or egos up is a powerful force compelling us to go, do and accomplish! If we desire peace and happiness in our lives we MUST exercise the self-mastery to control what we put our plates.

If you’re anticipating a major life-change like a marriage, new baby, etc., now is probably NOT the time to fulfill your life’s dream of opening a restaurant, getting your PhD or taking the job offer in Singapore.

I say all of this with some hesitation, because I am certainly on the PRO side of living life, having fun experiences and trying new things on a regular basis. I just don’t like to see these opportunities come at the expense of more basic needs in life.

Make sure everyone (including yourself) is okay and on-board, then go for the adventure!  There is plenty of time to fulfill your life’s dreams. With a little planning and anticipation there are ample opportunities to try every single thing on your life-list.

Be careful not jeopardize your mental health and sanity or that of your spouse or children. No accomplishment is worth this price.

Next time you’re at life’s picnic of opportunities, consider passing on the ambrosia salad or deviled eggs. You’ll probably be invited to another picnic next week. Save something delicious for next time.

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