{"id":1143,"date":"2021-01-04T07:00:08","date_gmt":"2021-01-04T12:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/caregivertocaregiver.info\/?p=1143"},"modified":"2021-01-04T06:42:07","modified_gmt":"2021-01-04T11:42:07","slug":"the-dos-have-to-really-should-would-like-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/caregivertocaregiver.info\/?p=1143","title":{"rendered":"The do’s – have to, really should, would like to"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last summer I was leisurely strolling through my Tuesday-only store. That would be the discount department store which offers a discount to senior citizens one day of the week (Tuesday) and I enjoy taking advantage of their generosity. It only saves me ten percent, but I look at it as a no-tax purchase and that gives me pleasure. On the other hand, due to my prudent spending habits, I feel compelled to shop there only on the day of the discount.
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Usually I can find \u201cjust what I need\u201d even when many stores shelves are a little on the lean side because of the pandemic. Since I have taken the de-clutter pledge, I shop much less and buy only what is on my list, which I scrupulously consider before stepping foot in the store. Most of the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, I always check the cosmetic section \u2013 just in case. This area is eclectic and can be unkempt \u2013 but I have found some great bargains. After placing the five-dollar night cream (it would have been at least twice as much elsewhere) in the cart, I decided to check out the \u201chome section\u201d where I have found numerous treasures including most of the throws that I turn into snugglies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was it Providence that caused me to glance at the \u201chair accessory\u201d section as I headed down the aisle? My eyes landed on a display of \u201cclaw hair clips.\u201d I was drawn to one in particular \u2013 a set of three – one in shiny tortoise shell, one in matte tortoise shell, and the third in a subdued leopard print. (Full disclosure \u2013 until I started writing this, I had always just called them \u201chair clips\u201d but with a little help from Google, I just discovered they are officially \u201cclaw hair clips.\u201d) They were priced at $3.99. With that ten percent discount, they would only be approximately $3.99, including tax. I had never used them, but considered if they didn\u2019t work for me, I could pass them on to a daughter\/granddaughter. I bought them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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That was six months ago, and those clips have saved me literally hours that I would have spent washing, drying, curling and styling my hair. Besides, Randy says he loves my hair \u201cup.\u201d I guess that\u2019s a rather pithy description of what I do with those little plastic clips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what have I done with the time I have saved? I do hope I have put it to good use. It does encourage me to exercise more often because I no longer have to wash my hair every time I sweat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We all have the same amount of time \u2013 but very different responsibilities. Learning to use our time wisely does not happen by accident. I cringe when I recall how much time I have wasted in my life. Through the years I have improved in this area. As we grow older, we are reminded that we do not have all the time in the world \u2013 an idyllic notion often entertained in the minds of the young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I first became a caregiver, it seemed there would never be enough time to accomplish the long list of daily activities that were necessities. Where would I ever find time to take care of Daddy and still fulfill my responsibilities to my husband and children \u2013 not to mention have some time for myself? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the articles I wrote for my newspaper column was \u201cPlan, Prioritize, Pray.\u201d That got me in trouble with the editor who considered \u201cpray\u201d a word that should not be used in a how-to column \u2013 even a how-to column for caregivers. In hindsight, he may have had a point. Definitely, it should have been, \u201cPray, Plan, Prioritize.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs us: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. <\/em>Matthew 6:33<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I have put this charge into practice through the years, I can testify that it works. Loving and serving Jesus should be the first thing in our lives\u2026not what we do if we have time left over from our \u201cimportant\u201d endeavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I seek Jesus first, it is as if He helps me use my time wisely in other areas. Following is a plan for using your time wisely and accomplishing everything that has to be done as well as favorite activities. Begin by categorizing all you have to do into three lists:<\/p>\n\n\n\n