“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time” – Leo Tolstoy
October is here, and I can’t believe how fast this year is flying by. It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating the start of 2024, and now we’re heading into the final stretch. The end of the year always feels like a time for reflection, doesn’t it? What have I achieved? What still needs my attention? And how do I balance everything in these final months?
With that in mind, I wanted to take a moment to step back and reflect on a few areas in life that I’ve been working on—and some that still need work. Because, let’s face it, no matter how busy we are, finding balance is key.
Faith – Staying Grounded as the Year Winds Down
As the days get busier, I’ve realized how important it is to stay grounded in my faith. Whether things are going smoothly or not, I know that my relationship with God is what keeps me centered. This year has been full of ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve been trying to take time to strengthen my connection, pray, and reflect. It’s easy to lose sight of this when work and life get hectic, but faith helps me navigate through it all.
“Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.” – Max Lucado
Family – Making Time for What Matters Most
With the end of the year approaching, it’s also a reminder to make time for family. I’ve been thinking a lot about the moments we share and the memories we create. It’s not about grand gestures or expensive trips, but about spending quality time together—those small, meaningful moments that matter the most. As busy as life gets, I’m trying to be intentional about carving out time for my loved ones. They’re the ones who keep me grounded when everything else is spinning.
“Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox
Friends – Keeping My Circle Close
When it comes to friendships, I’ve learned that keeping my circle small works best for me. As the year progresses, I’ve been focusing on deepening those relationships rather than trying to keep up with everyone. It’s the close, meaningful connections that matter—those friends who are there through thick and thin. Time is precious, and I want to invest in the friendships that truly lift me up.
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” – Unknown
Fitness – Finding Time for Physical and Mental Well-being
Amid the busyness of life, staying healthy is essential. This year, I’ve been working on keeping both my mind and body in shape. It’s not always easy to find the time, but I’ve realized that if I don’t make it a priority, everything else suffers. Whether it’s a morning run, yoga, or just taking a moment to breathe, I’m trying to keep fitness—both mental and physical—a part of my routine.
“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha
Hobbies – Exploring New Recipes in the Kitchen
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most this year is exploring new hobbies, especially in the kitchen. I’ve been trying out new recipes and discovering the joy of cooking. There’s something so therapeutic about experimenting with flavors and creating something from scratch. It’s a way to unwind and switch off from the demands of the day. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends—cooking together, sharing meals, and making memories around the dinner table.
“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne
Self-Development – Pursuing My Doctorate in Business Administration
On the professional front, this year has been a whirlwind. I’ve been diving deep into my Doctorate in Business Administration, which has been both exciting and challenging. It’s been a journey of growth, pushing me to think critically and manage my time more effectively. Between my studies and work, the days have been busy, but I’m learning so much about myself and my capabilities.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King
Work – Learning to Be More Effective with a Full Plate
Speaking of busy, work has been full of new projects, tasks, and stakeholder requests. It feels like there’s always something new on my plate, but I’ve been focusing on learning how to manage it all more effectively. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve—whether that’s streamlining processes, prioritizing tasks, or just learning how to say “no” when needed. The more I take on, the more I realize how crucial it is to stay organized and proactive, especially with the year coming to a close.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer
As October rolls on and the year edges towards its end, I’m reminded that life is all about balance. Whether it’s faith, family, friends, fitness, or professional growth, it’s about finding the time to nurture what matters most. The year may be winding down, but there’s still so much to learn, achieve, and enjoy.
What about you? How are you balancing everything in these final months of the year? Let’s keep the conversation going—whether it’s about work, hobbies, or just life in general. Drop a comment or reach out, and let’s chat about how we can make the most of the time we have left in 2024.
“We always have time for the things that matter the most to us.”
Enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to find a little fun along the way!
(This blog is a personal reflection and a gentle reminder for myself as we move toward the year’s end. I hope it sparks some thoughts for you too.)