The Art of Selectivity

A person must be selective with their time and energy because both elements of life are limited.

Kilroy J. Oldster

I captured a photograph of this O’Keeffe watercolor when I visited the O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe last fall. It was painted late in her life, after she lost her vision, with the assistance of Belarmino Lopez, who played an essential role in translating her artistic vision onto the paper. This poignant piece, rich in color and emotion, is believed to symbolize self-reflection, embodying the deep introspection O’Keeffe experienced during her later years. To me, it conveys an expression of the choices she made, choices that define a life of creativity and passion amidst adversity. As I grow older, I become more discerning about what I am willing to invest my time in, carefully considering how to balance my pursuits with the realities of life. Perhaps I am reflecting on the finite nature of time, recognizing that each moment is precious and should be spent on what truly matters, much like O’Keeffe’s moving reflections in her art.

The book club I belong to selects a genre to read each month instead of a specific title, which allows us to explore a diverse range of stories and styles. This month, we’re looking into books chosen from Reese Witherspoon’s curated book list. Initially, I picked a book that didn’t captivate me as much as I had hoped. There was a time when I would have persevered through reading despite its lack of appeal, convinced that every book had something valuable to offer. However, after about 100 pages, as I moved through the text with increasing frustration, I decided to put it aside and look for another title. In my opinion, it was worth investing more time to find something that truly interested me. I wasn’t willing to waste my time on something that didn’t hold my attention, especially when there are so many exceptional stories waiting to be discovered. By honoring my preferences and seeking a more engaging read, I was reminded that literature should be a source of joy, not a chore.

I believe that this principle applies to various aspects of life. Whether it’s a book that fails to captivate your imagination, a movie that doesn’t evoke your emotions, a social media post that brings negativity, or a personal encounter that leaves you feeling drained, these distractions compete for our attention in a world brimming with distractions. Take a moment to assess your options and move on to something that genuinely interests you, brings you joy, or at the very least, doesn’t cause harm. Life is too precious to be spent engaging with experiences that don’t contribute to our growth and well-being. Instead, seek out those that uplift you, foster connections, and bring you joy. Embrace the freedom to choose what you consume, whether it’s media or personal interactions, as this is crucial for maintaining a positive mindset and leading a fulfilling life.

Peace be with you.