You will never find the time you seem to keep losing, you just have to make it, a valuable, and often difficult, lesson in our hectic world. We need to reframe ourselves from being a victim of some imposed schedule and become an architect of our days, while we can.
Whatever the project, hobby or some much-needed escape from reality, making time is about intentional choices and setting boundaries. As I sit here, composing this and thoughts stumble around in my head, I realize that, since slamming into the ripe old age of 80 two weeks ago, I suddenly find myself grabbing onto any free time with a death grip. Facing one’s mortality can do that, you know?
Once you see the full picture, identify your priorities. The most important tasks often aren’t the most urgent and essential to my immediate well-being. I need “me” time, even small windows of solitude, say 30 minutes, here and there, even 10 minutes to de-stress after work and dealing with the “drive at five” highway trip home.
One more thing. Learn to say effing ‘NO!” without guilt because if you say “yes” to one thing that means saying “no” to another and no one has to be everything to everyone! Be polite, it’s you first, not being selfish, just essential for protecting your energy.
Doing that kind of rebalancing won’t happen quickly, some days you will absolutely nail it, others, well, you’ll fall very short. Don’t stress over achieving a perfect balance every day but find a personal rhythm that works for you and never beat yourself up for any less-than-perfect day. Shit happens! Yes, I’m blunt. At 80 years of age, I’ve damned well earned the right to say what I’m feeling.
Grabbing and holding onto precious time is an ongoing practice of self-awareness and intention. Start small, be kind to yourself, and remember that when you do, you are investing in your well-being which will ultimately give you more energy for everything, and everyone, else.
From the Writer’s Workshop: What or who are you always willing to make time for?
