“Don’t count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count.” -Unknown
The other morning I hopped out of bed and made a beeline for the laundry room. Although it contains numerous washers and dryers, unlike the room at my old apartment complex, far more people use it.
This means I might as well camp out in from of the building a la Black Friday if I hope to get my clothes in at some point in the AM. That morning, as luck would have it, two of the washers were still empty three seconds after the door opened.
Since I work from home, I try to be army-style efficient when doing household chores, so I generally know the precise moment when I’ll need to switch my loads into the dryer.
That morning I somehow arrived back at the room with seven minutes to spare. I considered returning to my apartment to squeeze in a few emails; after all, I had a ton to do. Then I realized how absurd that was. It was only seven minutes. Was it really that big a deal to simply wait it out?
Out the window, I noticed a swing set without any children enjoying it, and I realized that while I was worried about wasting time, I was wasting an opportunity for fun.
So I swung. And then I started humming. And then I started singing softly. And then I got a little louder. Then someone walked out of the laundry room, huffing because all the machines were full, until he saw me, a bizarre looking adult singing and swinging alone.
His laughter in that moment reminded me: there is no better use of time than the choice to smile and share it.
I realize we can’t always play with the world, with all the abandon of children. But what if we thought of unexpected breaks less as time to kill and more as time to enjoy?
What if we didn’t think about what we could squeeze in and instead allowed ourselves to forget for a minute that there’s so much to do?
What if we took the opportunity to lose ourselves, even if just for a few minutes, without pressure, stress, or an overwhelming sense that there’s something else we should accomplish?
There will always be more to do. But sometimes the best use of time is choosing to forget about that.
Photo by wonderlane
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
Hi Lori!
Happy Whensday! Wow… I watched your video on “three tiny truths.” I truly enjoyed it. There is so much experience to share in the “tiny moments” in our lives! It was a joy to watch you do something you love, sharing yourself totally in the moment. I I strive (not to excess) to be present in as many moments in my everyday life that I can contribute something of value, even if it is me being the best me I can be. It makes every day an interesting day to be
present and contribute a sense of well-being to
to my coworkers. Currently there’s an underlying presence of unrest amongst the natives stemming from two people in management who micromanage and approach their duties with what amounts to overkill, putting un-necessary stress on everyone. I’ve attempted to accept change and to find out what can be learned from the situation and rethink my attitude and how it can color my day if I allow it. I have had the opportunity once again to choose to take into consideration how my thoughts, feelings, and actions affect myself and those around me. Truly we are not alone in this journey. I’ve had the chance moment-by-
moment to learn more about being authentic and giving back something of value. It’s not a bed of roses everyday by a long shot, but I’ve been able to see my purpose I’m it all. I’m reminded that purpose is not how “large” we live, rather it seems for me to be about my small little world and bringing the best I have to offer to it…all the “little” chances to offer up service for he good. Needless to say as I’m rather early on in terms of awareness, I am truly amazed almost daily. No one can cause me or anyone else to hate a job they once loved. I just won’t give them that much power.
I watched Noah Kalina’s 6 years of daily photos, and what a lesson in moments of reality that was. I was a-gog while while watching it!
Again, thank you for your contribution to my life…I try to remember as often as possible “where my feet are” cuz that’s where I always am.
Sal
and to share my lighthearted humorous take on it all with others. It’s amazing what a little humor and positivity can do. None of us are alone in this life’s journey and when I start getting frustrated with the nonsense I can sit back for a moment and rethink my attitude and be a
my coworkers. I’m a medical transcriptionist by trade for the last 20 years and I have always loved my work.
present and there for myself and my cowokers. I’m a medical transcriptionist by trade for the last 20 years. I have always loved my work. Lately there have been changes in a couple of managers who micromanage and overkill almost every aspect of our days. The situation has caused unrest amongst the natives. Morale is low. Intrerestingly,I’ve found myself
Outisde my living room window is a small playground with a swing set. You know in 2 years I have never swung on that set… I was always worried about what other people would think of a grown woman swinging on a swing. lol. Thanks for reminding me to chill out!
LOVE this. Thanks for bringing reminders to my every day about how important the small things are <3!
This is a great article Lori. Thank you.
This made me cry (happy tears) a little bit. Such joy is always so close at hand, if we awaken to the possibilities 🙂
Thank you for this beautiful reminder to embrace and enjoy each moment today!
Often when I find myself “stuck” in traffic, I realize I am not stuck at all. Instead, I choose to see it as an opportunity to take a deep breath and slow my mind to match my physical speed.
I am more likely to enjoy every day when I can ask myself, “what is the gift in this moment?” With the right attitude, almost every moment is an opportunity for joy.
Have a grateful day!
Chrysta
I love this! Thank you for the reminder- especially timely in the frantic holiday season. Thinking of a singing adult on a swing set not only made me smile, it also made me think I should head out to swing today too.
Enjoy the day 🙂
Thanks Pamela. I hope you enjoyed the day too!
I would have joined you on the swings, what fun.
Whenever I have a short time to wait I know that 5 minutes is about time for 20 lovely deep breaths or several beautiful qigong moves (all depends on who is watching!!!)
What a wonderful question to open you up to joy! Thanks for sharing this here. =)
You’re most welcome!
You are welcome. =)
I’m glad I inspired you to hop on! =)
Hi Sal~ I love what you wrote about finding your purpose in the small things. It sounds like it’s a tense situation at your work right now. I’m sure your positive attitude affects everyone around you for the better. =)