How to find more time for you

I’d love to come, I just don’t have the time….

Things aren’t great, but I’ve got too much going on to deal with it right now….

I’ll do it one day…   I’ll sit down when I’m finished…

My time will come later….

How often have you said these words? How many times have you put off doing what you really want?

For many years this was me?  Never enough time.  

Back then I believed I should serve the needs of others first, to earn my time to relax, create and grow in.

I wanted my time guilt free and all I got was a lack of time.

I believed that if my in-tray was clear, my emails were answered and the demands of my boss were met, I’d have some time left over to spend on my own personal growth.

I also believed that if the house was tidy, the beds were made and clean clothes were dangling on the line I’d have enough time to read stories and play games with my kids.

And the big one,  I thought that once both kids started school, my career would automatically reignite, I’d find new passions and time for ME would be abundant….

That didn’t happen.

The kids went to school and I filled out notices, volunteered, caught up on hubby’s bookwork, ferried kids to after school activities, food shopped, cleaned, cooked and helped with readers all before I even considered spending time on myself.

Needless to say my career had no direction, personal growth was stunted and ME time rarely happened.  And worst of all I was a frustrated, resentful and exhausted mess.

Lucky for me I had an awakening. I realised that if I continued to prioritise the endless urgencies of others I would never lead a life I loved.

I needed to put what’s important to me first.

So I made a change….  I changed my beliefs.

I now believe there is no end point to the ‘needs’ of the world and time for ME is up to ME.

I now believe that time won’t just appear, nor will it be created or left over and it’s certainly not in abundance.

I believe time is a precious resource and we must use it wisely if we are to lead lives we love.. 

If you’re racing around meeting all the ‘needs’ of the world, hoping time for YOU will one day appear, then STOP.  Time will run out before you do what you really want.

Get clear on what’s important. What restores you, What matters most.  And do it first…  not last.

Want to meditate, do it first thing in the morning.  Want to go to gym, head there straight after work.

The dishes will wait, your family will not be left naked if you skip the washing and beds don’t always have to be made.  It’s okay to reply later, ask for more time if you need it and to say no to invitations that don’t light you up.

Do you want to be a worn out, haggard, resentful you or an inspiring, healthy, happy Mum, wife, daughter, friend, sister?

Making time for what matters means you can show up for those you love and care about, as the very best version of YOU…….. and that’s way better than having clean clothes and your bed made.