Finding the Time

I planned to write about my upcoming "Renee Day" and the steps you could take to plan your own "Me Day." I even wrote the article, but then the voices started:

• I don't have time for a whole day for myself
• I have small children; I'm never alone
• I have to work two jobs
• There are too many other things that have to get done

I heard your voices and my own. Why is it that we think we don't have time for ourselves?

So this month I decided to write about finding time—not for organizing—but for rest, for fun, for restoration.

I need to find time for rest because I am tired. I won't bore you with the details or try to play the I'm-busier-than-you game (we've all done that!). I will simply admit: I'm tired. It's not just physical, although I could definitely use more sleep. I'm just tired of being in charge, of always doing things that need to be done. Some days I just want to do nothing (or something more fun than my list of to-dos).

What about you? Are you feeling that way? If you're not, you can skip the rest of the article. (Make sure you're not like the cranky child who wails, "But I'm not tired!") If you are feeling tired, down, or overwhelmed, I invite you to join me as we look for pockets of time to schedule a little rest.

Just like there are places in your home or office where there is underutilized space (it's there, but you haven't noticed it or know how to use it), there is time in your day for you. You just need to know where to look. This month, begin to look for that "found time." It might be found in unlikely places:

• Wait time. How much time do you spend waiting? If you have to wait on a regular basis, there is time that could be used for you.
• Spouse / significant other working late. When my husband works late, it doesn't mean I have to. I use it as time for me (no cleaning!).
• A cancellation. When someone cancels or reschedules, he or she has just left you with a free block of time.
• Time spent on your phone, computer, or watching TV. How much time do you spend on your electronic life? Is it filling you up? If not, you might use the time for something more fulfilling.
• Early morning / late at night / when others are occupied. Even if it's only half an hour, there is often time when others are sleeping or occupied.
• Mundane tasks. Some things require your physical attention but not your mind. There may be room to add something you enjoy.

The idea is to recognize that you do have control of your time and how you spend it. The time is there. Yes, it may be in small amounts, scattered throughout the day, but it is there. You need to learn to recognize and use it.

This month begin looking for "found time," pockets of 15-30 minutes that could possibly be used for something other than tasks or chores. Don't worry about what you will do with the time. Just notice that it exists.

Then begin to dream about how you'd like to use that time. Be open to the possibilities. Look for some "Me Time" this month.

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