Time. It goes by so fast.
Time seems to slip away so smoothly and quickly that days, weeks, months, and even years seem to vanish instantly. You turn your back, and they're gone.
The feeling that time goes by faster as you get older is a common experience. With fewer mental snapshots, the perception of time appears to accelerate. Our brains process information less rapidly, leading to fewer distinct memories being created.
It's easy to make excuses when you’re younger, to put off doing something, and to wait for the 'perfect time.' But with age comes experience, and one day you realize the 'perfect time' doesn't exist.
Chances are, you've been guilty of saying these four little words before doing something: “When things slow down.”
That's because life keeps moving faster, and you must keep moving faster to avoid falling behind. If not careful, you could live your entire life racing from one thing to the next. Living in that whirlwind of chaos, you miss out on the best parts of life.
It sounds simple. Just be present. Just be where you are. But if it were easy, we wouldn't all struggle to do it.
Time and life are not guaranteed. That's why it's called the present. It’s so easy to rush through current moments, which should be cherished and valued as a gift that can't be take for granted.
Time holds greater value than money. Unlike money, we can't stop it, save it, or earn more of it. Each day, we are all granted the same precious gift of twenty-four hours.
Everyone defines the best use of time differently. When you finally realize that the present moment is all you ever have, it may be too late.
This gift of time doesn't need to be lengthy, nor does it need to be something you do only for yourself. Everyone in your life benefits since being actively present with them allows them to spend time with all of you.
But here's the thing about waiting: it can rob us of the joy of the present moment. When we're preoccupied with what's next, we miss out on the beauty of now. This is all we have, and time marches on—so let's make the most of it. Stop postponing joy for a later date.
There will always be something that gets in the way of you achieving what you want if you let it get in the way. I’m here to remind you that you don't need to have everything figured out to start living the life you want.
None of us know how much time we have, but interestingly, we have much control over how we experience that time. The next time you postpone something you want to do, by saying "I'll do it next year," remember that next year may never come. Embrace who you are, where you are, and allow yourself the time to enjoy it.
Loaded Steak Fajita Soup
INGREDIENTS
For the Steak
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless top sirloin or skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the Soup
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel fire-roasted diced tomatoes & green chilis
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1 (20.5-ounce) can refried pinto or refried black beans
- 2 (15.5 ounces) cans pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked Goya Yellow Rice Mix Spanish Style (Arroz Amarillo)
- juice of one large lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Sour cream, fresh cilantro, scallions, avocado, and tortilla for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Rub both sides of the steak with seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add the steak to the pan and cook 3-6 minutes per side, depending on your personal preference for doneness. The time will also vary according to the thickness of the meat. I cook mine to medium rare. Remove the steak and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Add onion and bell peppers to the seasoned Dutch oven. (Add a little more olive oil if needed.) Cook until the onions begin to turn translucent. Add garlic and oregano. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add Rotel, oregano, stock, and refried beans. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- While soup is simmering, cook rice according to package directions.
- Add steak, rice, beans, lime juice, and cilantro if using in the soup. Stir until well blended.
- Top with sour cream, avocados, scallions, and fresh cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips.
