“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” ― Marthe Troly-Curtin, Phrynette Married
I spend a lot of time reading (as you might notice via my blog postings) but I also read a lot about self-development, parenting, organizing time, empowerment, giving myself and others grace, etc. The list could go on and on. I am currently reading “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis. I truly thought this book is going to be like rest of them. Full of tips on how to manage your time with work and family (work life balance which is a fictitious word); how to forgive yourself for not conquering the world; and how to manage life and not lose your mind. So far, it has been a good read, realistic, truthful, brash, and honest.
Well, the one topic that touched upon on in most of these books, but with limited guidance, is the topic of TIME. However, Hollis’ book does a good job of explaining why you need and desire time. Your time, is the most important and vital part of your life. Time is a gift; you never can get it back or ask for more of it. I think, in general, we are pretty bad at using our time wisely, or using time for ourselves. To focus on ourselves and our wellbeing.
“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” William Penn
I wake up at 5 am 6 days a week and by 6 am one-day week and the first thing I do, is make a cup of coffee and start up my laptop. I usually send out/respond to a dozen emails before 5:30 am. Time, I like my time in the am, but this is kind of dumb and I could use this time to read for bit, organize my day, clear my head, etc. I fail at managing my own time, every day but I am getting there.
I probably encounter people, both men and women, everyday, who are tired, drained, frustrated, basically living in survival mood. This is sometimes due to family obligations, stress at work, family related challenges, mental/physical health issues, etc. However, you do they have power and ability to change this! You do have control over your time and how you choose to spend it. And guess what, no one else is going to give you time. Everyone wants your time (this is both good and bad). Rachel Hollis’s book opens with her own story of time which caused her some very serious health challenges which will impact the rest of her life.
So, if you are tired, in survival mood, miserable at your job, feeling hopeless or disappointed in in your lack of time, you can change that. Set small goals, take baby steps, as Hollis puts it, commit to yourself and your wellbeing.
Life should be about living, not surviving life. You deserve better than this. Survival mode is stressful, full of anxiety, and downright miserable. To live life, instead of just surviving, means to find enjoyment at work or home (at some point in the day) and to be able to devote time to yourself (even if 10 minutes in the morning over a cup of coffee). Time to recharge, breath, relax, de-brief, etc.
I still struggle everyday with time management and taking time for myself. I by nature work, like all the time. I measure my worth by what I can get accomplished at the risk of my own wellbeing. So, I decided to give myself 6-8 hours a week. The week consists of 168 hours, I can afford 6 hours to devote to myself. I choose to use those precious hours to workout. While I work out, I think and process my day, visit with friends who working out, or read a book. I am healthier and happier for this and my quality of work improves as well as my family life.
If going for a walk, running, reading a book, flipping through a magazine, crafting, painting, etc. is your jam, make a point to commit a few minutes a day or an hour a day to do just that. Just breath. Sit still (which I suck at) and breathe deeply, for a minute. DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY OR HELPS CALM YOU. Give yourself some time and be intentional about this! You and only you can do this!
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