Busyness

“The season is changeable, fitful and maddening as I am myself these days that are cloaked with too many demands and engagements”

Does this quote describe you and your life? Running around–too busy and overextended? This definitely is my life 9 days out of 10.  But lately, I have some how learned how to be aware of my needs. I have learned to take time for myself. I have actually learned to schedule in my calendar “Me time”, if it be taking an hour walk with one of my friends or ending writing early so I can read a bit of my bookclub book, it is me time all the same. I do not let myself feel guilty or skip over this cherished time. And I think this has a lot to do with my recent ability to slow down and not overextend myself…and to achieve greater happiness.

You read magazines that recommended you say “no” to request for events and engagements to avoid overextending yourself, but if you are like me, that is very difficult. I cannot even say no to the Red Cross to donate blood and somehow donate every 60 days because of this guilt.  Recently, I have learned it is okay to say no. I haven’t accepted all the writing assignments that I could because I knew that it would add unnecessary stress. I also haven’t been volunteering with Loudoun Caregivers as much as I should, but right now, it simply isn’t the right thing for my time, so I am (albeit feeling a bit guilty) having to say no.

I am learning that getting me time and saying no to events that will overextend you takes time and requires you to establish boundaries. You need to recognize that you need “you” time to enjoy and thrive in all the other aspects of your life.

“Taking the time I need for myself when I need it may be a lot less exciting than creating a crisis, and it certainly is less messy.”

To Smile.