Ah, the infamous and sometimes elusive question that many people ask themselves on a daily basis. I was posed this question on one of my polls so l thought I would break it down a little further. Ponder these questions as you continue reading:
1) What do you consider “me time”?
2) How often do you take your “me time” and is it reasonable?
3) Do you feel guilty when taking your “me time”? Why?
4) Do you feel resentful if you can’t get enough “me time”? Why?
5) At what point do you think your “me time” might turn into being selfish?
I believe everyone needs “me time” or “alone time”. Yes, everyone! To know and love others, you must first know and love yourself. In order to know and love yourself, you must learn how to hear your own inner voice. Consider it a “recharge my battery session”. How do you do it? It’s different for everyone but here is my suggestion. Stop everything, sit quietly, close your eyes and listen to the silence. Let the world fade away and listen to what your mind, heart and soul tell you.
Once you’ve heard what you needed to hear, your “me time” will turn into activities that foster and feed your inner peace. Some people take up a class they’ve always wanted, learn a new hobby, drop the kids off with the grandparents and go shopping for 2 hours or golfing for 2 hours, take a long bubble bath, have their husband take the kids out of the house while they take a long deserved afternoon nap, get a professional massage or a day at the spa, etc. You get the idea. Nothing is off limits if it’s fueling the passion in your soul.
Having said all that, you may be asking when are you supposed to do all this when you don’t have enough time on your hands or no one can take your kids for a few hours. Well, it’s about finding the time or making friends and believing in other people enough to watch your kids for you. Maybe it’s even stealing a few minutes before everyone wakes up in the morning or after everyone’s gone to sleep. If we really believe in the goodness of ourselves and others, God will give us what we need. If you truly don’t have the time, then look for the reason it has not been given. Is there a lesson you haven’t learned yet?
Balance is also one of the keys to having a happy life. No matter what your situation, without balance, your life will continue to be a struggle. Ever hear of work/life balance? Employers are stressing this concept because they know that an overworked employee will not be as productive as they could be. It’s true. Everyone needs to be able to enjoy life on every level and at every stage of their life. When you’re at work, be committed to producing excellence. When you leave work and come home, be committed to your loving your family and yourself. It’s really that simple.
“Me time” should never be a topic of conflict in your life. Talk it over with your family, partner and friends. Ask them for their understanding and patience. Tell them why it’s important to you and how it makes you feel. Anyone who truly cares about you, will gladly understand and give you the space you require. That’s what we do for the people we love, right? If you don’t get the appropriate response, what does that say about them? Who’s being selfish now?
Remember, having “me time” is a great and wonderful experience but you too have a responsibility in order to get it. Don’t take advantage of others in order to get more of your “me time”. If your mother in law loves taking the kids every Wednesday for the afternoon, don’t impose and ask her to take them Thursday and Friday if she hasn’t offered. Cherish the time you get and make the most of it. Also, remember to thank everyone who helps you along the way, even if it was just once. Karma has a funny way of coming back around.
Life provides us with many opportunities. We just have to be able to recognize them and take advantage of them. Like writing this blog for instance, it’s 10:00pm on a Saturday evening. Everyone is asleep at my house including the pets. So, I grabbed my laptop and starting typing. Nighttime is the best time for me to write with only the ticking of the clock and a passing car from time to time to remind me that I’m not alone. This was the perfect “me time” so I took it.
What do you do during your “me time” and how have you learned to balance it in your busy life? What suggestions do you have for others who have not yet conquered this concept?
Blessings,
Coach Dina Blas
Dina Blas is a Confidence Coach and Motivational Speaker in Dallas, Texas. Visit http://www.DinaBlas.com to learn more about her services and to request a free 30 minute phone consultation.
© 2009 Dina Blas. The author grants reprint permission to opt-in publications and websites so long as the copyright and by-line above are included intact and the article is not used in spam. A courtesy copy of your publication is appreciated.
Dina Blas is an Inner Healing and Confidence Coach who helps her clients who have experienced childhood trauma break the toxic relationship cycle and rewrite their story. Learn how to let go of your past and step into your power by contacting Dina today via her website www.DinaBlas.com or by joining her private community here: https://links.dinablas.com/Community
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