Here it comes…this time of year come the resolutions that we all intend to keep because we started a New Year and that is a perfect time to begin a new. I agree. Kind of. Personally, I don’t think it matters what the day says on the calendar — you can change your life ANY day, but we will play along. I have not written down my promises to myself in a couple of years, and even though they are there in my mind (along with everything else), I need to write them down, There you go — resolution #1…write down resolutions. 🙂 Too many times, we give ourselves (and maybe others too) a free pass on why something doesn;t get down. I would bet that the majority of it doesn’t get done because we just run out of time. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but what is different is what we CHOOSE to do with that time. When I started *ahem* running over two years ago, my time was scattered everywhere and the only time I could find was at 5am, so that is when I could make time. If it means something to you, you will find a way. Even if you are sitting there, shaking your head saying to yourself “There is no way.” It can be done. So, here I am to tell you how to organize your time:
- Write everything down — I make lists, update calendars, and sync it all so I know exactly what is going on with our sons’ schedules, work, etc.
- Keep your ADHD to a minimum — I get side-tracked, just like everyone else. Have a plan for the day and check off things that no longer require your attention. Shredding old receipts and statements is no longer on my list!
- DO NOT PROCRASTINATE — putting off the inevitable because of your distaste for that task makes it even more unbearable. Get that stuff done first. You will feel better too.
- Prioritize — figure out what has an immediate deadline and what doesn’t. Going to a doctor’s appointment is more important than getting your morning coffee from Scooter’s.
Who hasn’t seen a list like the above? That’s it. These are the basics, but this is not just about lists and giving direction. I need to say something more. We all live busy lives with multiple every day responsibilities and others that come up as surprises and as someone once told me, “Life goes on.” But our daily grind is not who we are. They help define what our lives look like, but that is it. Do you want to be remembered for always rushing around, being so busy, that no one ever saw you or talked to you? Will the memories of your children be kept with a tarnish that never washes away? If you are missing someone, chances are, someone is missing you, too. Make time! See those people you never see. Drop a card in the mail. It doesn’t have to be long and it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money. It needs to be heartfelt, genuine, and true. People often ask me where do I find the time to write my book, have G.I.F.T. dinners, exercise 5 days a week (minimum), etc, but the truth is easier than they think. I just make the time — even if it means getting up most mornings at 4:30am. I have received two watches as gifts and one always reminds me of the note enclosed inside…”They say the greatest gift you can give someone is your time…” When you make time for others, even if it is 15 minutes, or an hour, or days, you not only allow someone else to be loved by you, but it also allows others to love you in return and we all have time for that!!
Michelle Homme 2013 ©
