We get caught up in the have-to’s and should’s of our life and neglect our own needs and wants. What would you do if you reserved space for yourself in your life?
You need time to find your own rhythm
If you were left alone with nothing to do except what you wanted to do, what would that be? First you’d probably sleep a lot, to regroup from your busy life. Then you’d begin to examine how in you would like to fill your time — what you would like to do, who you would like to be with.
The way you can begin to find your own rhythm even in the middle of a demanding life is to learn to let life unfold. Stop planning. Simply allow events to happen. Then respond in the moment and trust that whatever you choose is exactly right for the here and now.
You need time to understand your work-flow preferences
As long as you have deadlines and goals, it’s a bit tricky to understand your work-flow preferences. After watching and recording my patterns and feelings as I worked organically, I realized that I like to immerse myself in one aspect of the project.
So each day I focus on a particular type of project: podcast, books, videos, and even a particular aspect: writing, editing, recording. And that’s all I focus on that day. Choosing a specific focus helps you feel less scattered and more productive.
Begin to identify your own work flow by recording what stops you, what excites you, and during what hours you do your best work. Then build your work flow around that awareness of your personal work rhythm.
You need time to listen to your body
You body will talk to you and tell you what it knows — but you have to listen and help it out. I notice that when I come off of periods of intense learning, my body wants to take short naps and is not very eager for a new project. If you are working and raising a family, you’ll have to listen more acutely and get creative when it comes to ways to heed the advice or your body.
You need time to dwell within
Plan on getting up before the rest of your household to take the time for your own introspection. Some “me” time, if you will. Whether it’s meditation or journaling or mind-mapping, be still and listen to what your inner self wants and needs. The more you understand about yourself, the more capable you are of meeting your own needs.
You are the only person who will take care of you
You can’t be in service to others if you are a basket case yourself. Give up something. Change your expectations — of yourself and others. Stop. Pause. Listen. Then slowly bring in what you need at this point in your life. Not too much. Just the right number of commitments so you can reserve space for yourself.
To Sing a Deeper Song consider:
26-Are You Selfish, Self-Aware or Self-Absorbed?
23 – What Are the Truths You Live By?
Lose Your Attachment to the Outcome
How to Create An Empty Day
The Power of Non-Action
The Power of Exploring the Unknown
