Your You Time

Is there something you'd like to do?  A goal you’d like to accomplish?  Do you often find yourself saying, “But I just can’t find the time.”  So month upon month goes by, and before you know it a whole year has passed and you still have not made one small step toward that goal. You may even beat yourself up a little about it, then feed yourself the excuse that there just isn’t enough time in the day to get to your things.   You sacrifice your time to give to others, such as your spouse, your kids, your career, and there isn’t enough left for you, so your goals will have to wait for when you have more time.   As a mother of three with a full time career, I always felt my time was filled up by someone or something, because the expectation that I had set was my desires would be put on the back burner to take care of everyone else’s.  You may feel the same,  that your goals are not important and that by pursing them, even small ones, taking time away from the family, or work, you are being a poor mother, father, friend, employee.  

The reality is, that taking “you” time can help you be more present, focused, and available for others when you are with them.   Just as you prioritize time for everyone else, you need to do the same for yourself.    For example, if your goal is to run your first 10km race in the spring, block off an hour three times per week in your calendar that’s just for you. If an hour seems too much at first, start with 30 min and build from there.  Keep that appointment with yourself, set the expectation with others (and you)  that that is your time.   Even if you don’t go for a run, or a workout that day, keep that appointment, use it to read quietly, go for a walk, watch some cheesy TV show you’ve wanted to see, or go to dinner with a friend, it’s your time.   Time to reenergize, work towards your goals, and take some time just for you.  

Here are a few things you can do to start finding that seemingly elusive extra time.

1. Find your NO.  It’s okay to say NO.  If someone asks you to do something and you have an internal reaction that says you really don’t want to do it, then don’t.  Keep your appointment with yourself, you’ll be better to others for it. 
2. Set a Goal:  This will force you to schedule appointments for yourself, every week, into your calendar.  
3. Ask for Help.  If you let others know your goal, they will help you get there, and give you that time you need to reach it.  
4. Remember:  By taking time to take care of yourself,  you will have more energy and focus for those other things that are important in your life.