Make Time for Me
Do you ever feel like you’re giving too much of yourself? What about making time for doing more of what you love? What about Making Time for Me!?
With the coming of spring, there’s no better time to do some spring cleaning in your personal life to get back more of what you put out there.
I have often used the illustration of putting on your oxygen mask. If you have flown recently and heard the safety briefing, you know they recommend the adult putting on the mask before helping a child. You have to fill yourself up to have a supply from which to pour out.
Here are ways to bring that into fruition!
Be honest with yourself
If you could create your perfect life, what would it be? Write down the things that you would like to have more time for in your life – perhaps reading, learning a hobby or spending time with people that you enjoy being around.
Reflect on the things you’re currently doing
It helps to make a list of what you currently spend your time on — from work to caring for kids to running errands. Think of it as a synopsis of your weekly life. You’ll want to look at this compared to what you want to see more of in your week.
Choose where you can compromise
You might not be able to change the fact that you have to go to work, but how you get there could be changed. Maybe the stress of driving is wearing you down. Instead of “driving” yourself crazy, perhaps you could take the subway and read while on the train. You would have more time to read, and you not have to deal with traffic — a win-win. Be creative!
Stop Saying “But”
If you’re always saying you want to do something and adding “but” right afterward, it’s time to change that way of thinking. Those three little letters are convincing you that you don’t deserve the things you desire.
Let’s look at a commonplace where you add “but” in your life. You need to get groceries for your family. No one can deny that’s not important. Perhaps you are thinking “I want to take that new hot yoga class, but I have to go to the supermarket.” Wait – there’s another approach! Our marvelous online world allows you to order all of the things you need and either run by and have it brought out to your car or even better, delivered to your door. You can go to class AND get groceries … problem solved!
We even add this “but” when considering the need to make dinner. Yes, the family needs to eat and homemade is usually healthier. However, you can prep those meals – or at least their components – on Sunday and voila! Your early evenings are free to pick up another pursuit. We’re so trained to feel guilty for indulging in the things we want, yet we need to do those things in order to be our best for everyone else.
What are 3 Things You Want to Make More Room for in Your Life?
For me personally, I’d love to free up time in my days to be able to take a short, restorative nap or walk outdoors in the afternoons (have you ever thought of a walk as restorative?), plus a weekly opportunity to gather with a friend for lunch or coffee.
How can you prioritize filling your cup so that you have a supply from which to pour out?
Leave a comment and let me know what you’d love to make room for in your life.
