Organizing time for yourself is especially important because of the demands that are already put into your life. Are you working full time? Are you getting ready to bring home a baby? Are you planning a move? Are you starting a new job? Are you looking after aging parents? Are you overwhelmed with the clutter in your home and are squeezing in some purging and cleaning projects?
There never seems to be enough hours in the day, days in the week, or weeks in a month to get done what we want to accomplish. And now we seem to be on the autobahn to summer when we have to get our gardens in, weed and mow, grads and weddings, and vacations. Sometimes we are so busy, that even getting ready to go on a vacation is so much work we may wonder is it worth it? But it always is.
I tend to be one of those persons that can’t relax as long as there is something that needs to be done. I was raised to relax “after” our work was done. But there is a huge flaw in that theory because, work is never done. I found myself working continually and never stopping to relax.
When we moved to Yellowknife, our furniture and belongings were all hidden in boxes. It was the August long weekend, and family called us up to join them for lunch at the lake. I didn’t want to go, I just wanted to get unpacked and settled in. But they convinced me to join them, and they would even pick us up. So I conceded, and thought to myself, it is just lunch. I knew I had to eat, so I decided I could do that, and I would work even harder after lunch.
Well, the lunch turned into a whole day at the lake! I was so consumed with how much work I had to do, I didn’t relax and I didn’t enjoy myself as much as I should have. Over the years, I remember the hot summer days always came when my house was a mess and I had so much to do. So I planned to work hard through the week, then I would take the weekend off to sit on my deck and read my novel in the sun. Well, by the weekend, the weather had changed and it was raining. My house was clean, but I missed summer.
The weather has been cold and rainy this spring, so I have been busy organizing and purging and cleaning out my cupboards. Yesterday I decided to work on some sewing which had taken a back burner. My oven mitts are burned up and need to be chucked, so I decided to have some fun and make myself a new set. I saw these oven mitts at someone’s place, and loved them so much I went home and made my own pattern. I am happy to share it with you.
CLICK HERE FOR THE INSTRUCTIONS
But, the sun is out now, so I am dropping inside activity. I have learned my lesson, and I am heading out to play in the flower beds now. But I just wanted to encourage you not to feel guilty when you organize time for yourself, whether it is purposeful rest, time with your favourite book, kicking back with friends, or creative time with your hobby – whatever rejuvenates you and puts oxygen back into your soul…. do it! Because there is a time for everything – time to work and time to play, and it should be a part of every day!
And I apologize if you are not a sewer. But whatever your hobby is, I hope you make time for yourself to enjoy it during the busy days of summer!
Elvie Look: Your Professional Organizing Coach who is helping people get organized with her easy tips and suggestions. These systems help the busy mom, businessman or woman, entrepreneur or student learn the keys to organizing in simple, actionable and manageable steps. She teaches how to get organized and maintain your organized space while carrying on your normal busy life. She is the author of "21 Steps From Chaos To Calm.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks Elvie for the great post. i too have a hard time to stop doing a chore to relax. When we moved into this home 3 years ago we had plans to go camping right around that same time. Well with the house full of boxes and the camping trip booked I found it such a hard decision to stop unpacking and take the trip. My daughter pointed out that there would be no way we would have the boxes unpacked in those 3 days so why not just go. We did and had a blast. I’m so glad we put the kids trip ahead of our own chores. I need to keep this in mind in my everyday activities. Especially now that the girls are out of school. The laundry and cleaning can wait because the girls won’t be home forever. Thanks again and have a wonderful day
Taking the time to play everyday means you won’t completely burn out by the end of the year. I know from experience, as a formerly fried homeschooling, wahm momma. Love the oven mitts Elvie! Beautiful pattern… but I’d rather read a good book. :O)
Well Elvie you have done it again! I am impressed! Do you make the oven mitts to sell? You should! Love the message in your article, such an important topic for all of us to be reminded of.
Was a wanna be creative sewer, got the Singer here for decades, bought new, and now almost as new as when first purchased. Not my gifting but admire your skill and sharing here. I used to make homemade dog treats–holistic of course years back, then I tried my hand at making homemade unscented vegan soap without chemicals for dogs/humans too with shea or cocoa butter. Love both finished products but at the time was ahead of the market. ell got what I have lots of? Tons of soaps. Proud of the results and still usable. Enough for a lifetime. So I saw that as taking time out for me. Now I do that most often when it comes to exercise–class goes on with or without me. Mainly a Zumba girl, without the Zumba instructor body. Still wishing and working towards that one day but still eating.
A timely, Poignant lesson. Oh, I so want to make that mitt! I guess it is small enough I could do by hand (no sewing machine).
Nice reminder Elvie. I don’t do sewing myself, but I do like to organise and take time out!
Hi Elvie, I’d love to get more info on organizing time for yourself.
Ok Sunshine, I will do that! Ken says to me “you aren’t very good at managing your time though, you just work long and hard.” LOL So, I get lots done because I use every minute. But when we vacation, I play and rest hard – do nothing! Hope I can give some tips for you.
Sounds great:)
Without time for yourself, you burn out. I like to plan a girl’s day out quarterly to reharge. It’s easy, fun, inexpensive and makes you a lot easier to be around! How to’s here: http://bit.ly/sWuENk