Sitting down to write this, I feel as if I have written these very same thoughts down before. I don’t know about you, but lately my pace has been overwhelming. I don’t know what it is about spring, maybe the end of a school year, beautiful weather, and many tasks, but this time of year seems to bring additional demands on my time that can leave me in a very crazy place.
I realized on a recent day, after spending that day with no agenda, schedule, or demands on my time that I am the only person that can protect it. I seem to want to rely on my husband, authorities, or friends to know when I have reached my maximum capacity. This isn’t fair. It isn’t their responsibility to know when things are overwhelming me or I feel at capacity, it is mine. I am the steward of my own time and schedule, the moment I forget this, is the very moment that my time has authority over me instead of me having authority over my time.
Frankly, I am much better at all of the tasks in which I am entrusted when I allow myself time to breathe and do things that make me happy. So here are three tips that have helped me (yesterday) that hopefully can help you:
- Learn how to say “NO” and stick to it – People don’t like to hear the word “NO” but every time I say it when I know I should, I reap a reward of time and energy. Don’t create a hierarchy by saying that their time and stuff is more valuable than yours, we each deserve time and space.
- Find something that you love and try to do it at least twice a month – Honestly I love a day with no schedule and sunshine. My husband and I have implemented these days since we were dating. I tend to forget the power and value when I don’t schedule one at least twice a month.
- Schedule a “home day” – A day where you determine not to leave your house for any reason.
My sweet friend Darrah taught me this term and I absolutely love it. I find that when I wake up knowing I have nowhere to go (which means no make up) that I am more relaxed and way more productive, even at resting.
These may seem simple but for me they are much harder to implement that the black and white words on paper. I must give myself grace and sometimes find ways to make this happen. Are you feeling overwhelmed? I encourage you to pick one of these three things and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to follow through today.