Making Time for You

At the start of the New Year, many of us have lofty ambitions. Change! This is the year I will...

Whether it's a deliberate decision to pursue a new (or old) goal, or a subtle reminder in your mind urging you to pay more attention to... there's something on your mind. Committing to a new, or known, goal is challenging when you're overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Adding another task can be overwhelming, especially when you're accustomed to giving your all to work, home, and loved ones. The focus often shifts away from oneself, except during quiet moments, in between tasks, or in the middle of the night.

Why not? I ought to.... What's stopping me?

• START THE SHIFT

  Recognize that your health, peace, and overall well-being are more important than

  addressing tasks and solving problems for others. Initially, this may seem self-centered, but it is not. By deliberately prioritizing your personal goals in a healthy and consistent manner, you influence how you "Show Up" in every situation. Rest and rejuvenation are crucial for mental clarity, physical health, and emotional balance. This is the best way to support our loved ones!

• KNOWING

  Understanding holds greater significance than merely believing. Realizing that your health, peace, and overall state of being influence those around you underscores the importance of prioritizing yourself. Consistently placing yourself last can negatively impact your well-being, and over time, adopting a mindset of being "last" can affect your thoughts, decisions, and energy. Recognize the necessity of determining how you will prioritize yourself. When you do, understand that your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential for you and your family to function most smoothly and efficiently.

• TIME

  Start with a Dedicated Block of Time. Allocate time each day or several times a week. Plan a personal activity that holds significance for you. During this time, you'll recognize that this moment is solely for you. Much of our time is spent anticipating the next "thing" to occur. We make ourselves available, waiting for the next request, call, or task. I refer to this as the Double Blind—having "free time" while anticipating something beyond our control. We convince ourselves it's "free time" while expecting interruptions. In this mindset, one cannot fully commit to relaxation or rejuvenation. Living in an "Always On" state is draining! "Always On" consumes physical, mental, and emotional energy and influences how we present ourselves each day. This is WHY it's crucial to prepare, plan, and commit to Your Time.

Initiating new routines or continuing desired activities begins with your mindset toward them. Prepare your mind and thoughts about the routine or activity. Visualize the outcome for each day; consider how you will feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. We often focus on distant results, like 30 days, 90 days, or the year's end. Instead, concentrate on TODAY. Ask yourself how you will feel if you accomplish this one task for yourself today. Now is the moment to adjust your thoughts and emotions about your time, as it's always a good time to feel aligned.

Here's to choosing yourself and listening to your body and soul each day.

May your path be clear and your heart steady,

Kirsten