In his book “20,000 Days”, Robert D. Smith quotes William Borden, “No reserves, no retreats, no regrets.”  In my quest to live each year as though I have been given 365 days;  of these three, the one I most often omit is “no reserves.” How often I hold back, linger, wait. In that conservatism I insure that I have no cause for retreat or regret.

This week, Jeff Goins is blogging a slow down challenge.

I whole-heartedly understand the benefits (spiritual, mental, emotional, physical) for slowing down and savoring.  I have practiced it more often than not the past few years.  For the past six months I have been walking, writing, reading, playing the piano, enjoying the world around me, as often as possible. Yet, instead of continuing with that regime, I am doing the reverse.  I have taken a full time job. Chide me not.  I needed to eat and I had bills to pay.

I took a wonderful job, believing that a writer can find time to do what she loves to do – is inspired to do – write. What I had forgotten is, when I am over-busy, the inspiration – the desire – withers. On the other hand, I am remembering that inspiration also starves when the writer is hungry, worried about how to pay the rent. Once again, my priorities want to pick a fight.

Perhaps, “no reserves,” means no sleeping in? Waking and getting to a keyboard (piano or Mac) in time for sunrise is yet another source of inspiration.