Just 15 Minutes!

Today is my dad’s birthday. He would have been 79. 

As I type that I realize just how young he was when he died (it will be five years in September). 

My dad was a horticulturist in his heart (not his profession). He created a life for himself that allowed for countless hours a day just being outside, working on projects and beautifying the space. 

Many years ago, when I had many little kids at home, I complained to him about how I couldn’t take care of my yard and the house at the same time. It was all just too much! 

He responded, “It just takes 15 minutes a day!” 

I laughed. “Yeah, right?” 

It wasn’t until years later that I discovered the secret of this advice. When I told myself, “Just 15 minutes” before going outside to work, I would easily find myself enjoying the work so much that I would keep going. 

My dad didn’t worry about having the perfect plan or the perfect amount of time. He just did the next thing to be done. He did what he loved! And in doing so, he created spaces of beauty, serenity and love.

Dad’s magic trick really works!  When I feel stuck or if I feel overwhelmed with the many things I want to do, I can tell myself, “Just 15 minutes.” More often than not, it turns out to be just what I needed! Sometimes it is only 15 minutes, but I usually don’t mind if it lasts a little longer.  

We can do anything for fifteen minutes! 

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“Time is the wisest counselor of all.” — Pericles