Pockets of Time
I can't remember the first time I heard someone mention the importance of finding the little "pockets of time" to accomplish whatever it is you want. Time for yourself, time for a project, time for working on a goal. Whatever it is you keep thinking about doing, but just never do. Or, whatever you might not be thinking about, but what you need to do.Life is busy. Intellectually, we all know that. Physically, many of us feel that, too. We're working, parenting, spousing (is that a word?), volunteering, exercising (okay, maybe I need to do this more, but, I that's another blog), cleaning, errand-running, the list goes on and on.
The problem is, we get so busy "doing", if we don't make a point of finding those little pockets of time during which we can re-energize ourselves-- our minds, our bodies, our souls--pretty soon we hit a wall that stops us from being able to "do" anything at all.
I'm not talking about anything big, like treating yourself to a spa day. Although hey, I'm always up for a facial, massage and manicure. :-)
What I'm really talking about are the 10, 15 or 20 minutes you can group together for yourself. And only you! To help you regroup and recharge. Maybe it's driving to your kids' school 10 minutes early for pickup, setting your alarm on your cell phone and taking a 10 minute catnap in the car (yes, I've done this). Or getting dinner started and simmering, then enjoying 15 minutes to read a good book or magazine. Or perhaps you'd prefer syncing up some soft music on your ipod while you sit in a recliner, close your eyes and enjoy the peace. Whatever makes you feel good. Relaxed.
What if you need more than 20 minutes? Not a problem, especially if you're organized. Or even semi-organized. This may take some planning, but sit down and look at your daily schedule for the next few days. There's got to be a day when you can carve out 30 minutes or an hour for whatever your heart desires--writing, exercising, reading, gardening (maybe not in the winter weather but hopefully soon!), whatever hobby or activity your heart desires. I know you can do it!!
The bottom line is this... Someone once told me that as much as I love my family, I will be a better mom/wife if I'm happy, and not feeling overwhelmed or overrun with responsibilities for others. And you know what? They were right.
My day has 24 hours in it. There's enough time for me to have a few moments to myself. Doing whatever helps me feel good about myself. When most people feel good, they want to spread the wealth, helping others feel good about themselves, too.
It's a great cyclical effect.
So you see, find those pockets of time for yourself and it'll be just like reaching into a pocket and finding gold (or that $20 you forgot about). A precious investment for yourself and those around you.
Look at your day today and let me know when you find your pocket. And what will you do with your time?
Hugs,
Pris
posted by Prisakiss @ 10:36 AM
11 Comments:
I found 25 minutes between picking up daughter and taking her to ballet because I put pot roast in the crock pot this morning. I'll be taking those 25 minutes to write--something I'm going to enjoy!
Pris -
You're right. We can all find a little time here and there.
The bottom line is this... Someone once told me that as much as I love my family, I will be a better mom/wife if I'm happy, and not feeling overwhelmed or overrun with responsibilities for others. And you know what? They were right.
This is sooo true! When I make sure I get at least 20 minutes doing something I want to do, then all of my family members reap the rewards! :)
You make a lot of good points, Pris. It's amazing how fast every day goes by...sometimes it's all a blur. TIME is so precious.
Good for you, Mo!!! I've become a big fan of my crock pot. There are some amazing recipes on-line.
That 25 minutes you've found is golden!!
My pocket of time this week? I'm headed on a college scouting trip with my middle daughter this weekend. Right now I'm trying to get my master's class homework done ahead of time so I'll have the entire plane ride (there and back) to work on my writing!!!
It means staying up late last night and tonight, but it's worth it.
Theresa,
Good for you for taking time for yourself!
You're right about how fast the day goes by. I have to schedule myself, or keep a "to do" list in easy reach. If not, it's the end of the day and I haven't gotten as much done as I know I could have.
Pris, good for you for going for your masters! That's amazing. When will you be finished and what's your degree in? I really am amazed at how much you do!
Theresa, I'm getting my masters in Public Administration, with a focus on the non-profit sector. I still have 2 years to go-- I just started in the fall and am only going part time (2 classes a semester) because of work/family/sanity obligations.
There's a masters in creative writing I'd like to be doing, too. But that will have to wait for now.
Ultimately, my goal is to move up in my day job, or possibly teach at the higher education level, and keep writing as much as I can.
Those pockets of time to write and re-energize are very important to me.
No real pocket time, today, but tomorrow will have a huge one. The electricity is being turned off for five hours. Fortunately, we were given warning, so I picked up tomorrow's work, today. Tomorrow, I will read guilt free, until 1pm, and then it will be back to work. LOL!
~Judy
All my life I've heard the saying, "If you want something to get done, ask the busiest person you know to do it." That's because they are the people who know how to find those little pockets of time.
I find it is actually easier for me to work something in when I'm busy than when I don't have any particular goals with deadlines. But I agree, some of those pockets of time have to be for ourselves.
I just had a friend send me an enormous list of things she had to do, which included tasks that had been piling up for a long time but didn't actually matter when they got done. I suggested that, instead of putting off her writing until she got them done, she instead do her writing first, then schedule 15 minutes every day for teach of those tasks, and stop
when the timer goes off.
I think shes going to try it.
I'm taking my pocket of time now! Throughout the day I take breaks and check email, read the blogs, make contact with friends.
Pris, I did my Masters in Social Work the same way you are doing your Masters, two courses at a time. My kids were small at the time, six and four when I started. Good luck!
Yes, I love pockets of time. I need them to keep me going. I normally read while in line to pick up the older kids. I just tune out the three smaller ones. LOL. I read before bed at night, having trouble sleeping lately.
I'm going back to school as well. At times I wonder what was I thinking. LOL. But it'll be worth it in the end.
Post a Comment
<< Home
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]