When I ask people about the time they take for themselves these days, the answer so often has something to do with television that I feel compelled to write a little about it this morning.
'You time' should seldom be spent doing nothing. There are very few places where is it possible for you to be less conscious than in front of the t.v. I'm not saying you should never watch t.v. You will notice however, that if you ever get too busy to watch, you don't miss it one bit.
Those of you with a constructive hobby will know the joy you get from accomplishing something in your 'spare time'. The only problem I see with that, is in calling it spare time.
Time for yourself is the most valuable time you can spend. It should never be the time you spend when life is finished getting in the way. You will wake up soon enough and realize that all of the 'getting through it' creates a culture of mental habit that has you 'getting through' everything instead of giving yourself to it.
You can spend time for yourself with your kids if that's what energizes you. Yes, some people really feel that way. Some people have chosen their job so wisely, it never occurs to them that they are actually working: ask most musicians, poets, writers or people who 'love' what they do. That doesn't mean that they don't like to get home and put their feet up after a day of loving what they do, that's called tired.
For some of us, all we really need to do is stop long enough to organize out thoughts. Like those boxes in the garage you've been meaning to get to. Consider what time you have 'created' for you. You may do things you love, but you may do them with an attitude that robs you of the energy you can receive from the doing. Reading is doing, writing is doing, meditating is doing: but fixing things can be fun and organizing things can be fun and... I hope you get the idea.
Most importantly, 'you time' isn't called you time because of what it means to anybody else. It also doesn't have to be spent alone although it's best not to 'rely' on someone else for it.
Consider what you do for you. Then consider how what you do for you impacts on your ability to relate to everyone else.
Isn't it time for a little you time?
See ya next week
Totally agree Mark.... Without me time I become and unhappy mother andd wife, especially dealing with an autistic son.
ReplyDeleteI usually turn on some good music and putter. Tidying or organizing is always rewarding and I do consider that me time because when I am tired or busy those are the things that stress me most.
Great post Mark. Happy are those who realize the importance of "me" time, it certainly adds a richness to your life that is so very important. It means that you are important enough to yourself to spend some quality time with, no matter what your version of quality time is. It makes you whole...... keep up the good work....
ReplyDeleteTruly thoughtful observations. I thank you both.
ReplyDeleteAnother good post, Mark. I have a habit of not taking time for myself but fortunately I have an excellent wife who makes me take time out with her and they are truly some of my fondest memories, like our recent spur of the moment trip to Georgia. My daughters will also corral me to play music with them in the evenings. Can't get much better than that. Thank God for family and friends.
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