"Being responsible for someone's childhood is a big deal. We not only create our own memories, but we create our child's memories." (Rachel Macy Stafford Hands Free Mama)
Time is the great equalizer. No matter how much money we have, where we live, who we are, or what we believe, we all have the same amount of time. As an adult, I get to choose how I spend my time. Really, everyone does. I may not love to do all the things I choose to do, but I do them because I receive some perceived benefit to myself or to those whom I love. It often feels like there isn't enough time for everything, so how do we prioritize our time?
- Myself
- My spouse
- My children
- My extended family
- My friends
- My community (including church community)
Unfortunately, when our lives get hectic and feel unmanageable, we usually eliminate the thing that, ultimately, we need the most: time for ourselves. We our bodies and our souls need time to think, dream, create, rest, and revitalize. Think of these areas when you plan time for yourself: spiritual time, mental time, physical time, and emotional time. Even with eleven children I find time for myself everyday. Early morning, after bedtime (I have strict bedtimes), and lunch breaks are ideal times to spend by myself doing things that I love to do.
Really, after all is said and done, in the end, it will be you and your spouse. I have realized how quickly the children grow up and move away. They start families of their own, and as much as they still love you and need you, they are building their own lives. It is vital to feed the relationship with your spouse. Make time for date nights, weekend retreats, and time to connect each day.
Don't let the things that are 'good' distract you from the things that are great. Don't be afraid to say 'no'. It's okay. You (and the people asking) will survive and things will still get done. Sometimes we honestly believe that if we don't do it, nobody will. That isn't true for very many things, except for the ones in your own home. Focus on those who mean the most and who you are here to love. Make sure every time you say yes it is because it will move you closer to your goals for yourself and your family.
Make sure you don't miss those "Moments that Matter".
I have tried to keep a gratitude for a number of years. It was hard for me, not because I am ungrateful but it seemed very repetitious to me. Eventually, I just started keeping a traditional journal and I have loved doing that. I have years that are more complete than others, but they are all priceless as I go back and read about my daily happenings and feelings over the years. This year I decided to try again, but instead of calling my journal a gratitude journal, I decided to rephrase it a little bit. I decided to write about 'moments that matter'. Rachel Macy Stafford inspired me in her book with these three wonderful words. It is essentially the same thing but for some reason the new terminology helps me to think of it differently. I went to Amazon (always my store of choice ;) and searched for a nice, new journal to start me on my way. You'll never believe what I found. It's meant to be, right?
"You can do anything but not everything." (David Allen) Remember who and what is most important in your life. Live life to its fullest. Give yourself permission to have lazy days. Most of all, make moments that matter!
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