Please enjoy this guest post by Paula Grieco.
If you don’t choose how you spend your time, someone else will spend it for you. -Author Unknown
I was chatting with a friend recently who shared that she never had time to pursue her art, bemoaning her endless to-do list and all the obligations pulling at her.
I think most of us have experienced her frustration. Life, after all, is busy. Often incredibly so. Daily work, family, volunteering and other commitments can make days and (gulp) years pass quickly, leaving little time for long-dormant personal passions and dreams. This is a familiar mantra for my peers: women with kids/teens still at home and often also running a business or working in a corporate setting. This was different though. My friend’s struggle gave me significant pause because she was in her late 60’s and has been an empty nester for quite some time. Wow…the busyness really never ends, was my immediate response.
What she shared, reminded me (again) how easy it is to be lulled into waiting for the elusive right time to pursue our boldest desires or simply nurture ourselves. And that the truth is that the only perfect life phase for living fully into who we are starts today. If you, like my friend, are feeling squeezed out of your own life, here are some micro-habits to get you started on a path of intentionally taking up space and reclaiming your life:
- Express gratitude for one way you take up space today. It doesn’t matter how big or small it seems; identify one way that you express who you are in your life right now.
- Make time for brief moments of solitude. Even just a few minutes during the day can help you connect to yourself rather than being caught up in outside forces.
- Ask the Big Questions. Begin consciously considering what you want your life to be about, what your passions are, and what you would regret not pursuing. The answers to these questions should drive how you spend your time.
- Quit. If you are too busy to pursue what is most meaningful to you (or to take the time to figure out what that is), something has got to go. Evaluate your current optional commitments; begin by cutting out those that drain you.
- Create art. Buy a small journal or notebook just for self-expression. It will be one of the best purchases you will ever make. Spend even one minute a day writing or drawing a picture. No directions required.
- Make a Rote Response Sometimes we end up compromising who we are because it is hard to say no. Write down on a small card your response to requests for your time or an opinion you are not prepared to give. Doesn’t have to be eloquent—“Huh, I’ll have to think about that and let you know” works.
- Initiate juicy, meaningful conversations in unlikely places. Shake things up…be determined to bring big ideas or something you are passionate about into sidelines conversation or while waiting in line at Starbucks. This is life-changing and I guarantee you will feel empowered and see humans differently when you do this regularly.
- Re-connect to a childhood passion. Think about what you loved to do as a kid as it can be a clue to your truest expressions.
- Express your uniqueness daily. Create a daily practice of doing or saying something that expresses you without regard to its popularity or commonality. It can be an expression of a core value, as simple as a wardrobe choice, or declining a social engagement that will leave you feeling drained.
- Make time to do absolutely nothing. Schedule time with no agenda other than to do whatever you want in that moment.
Take 5
Taking up space is meant to be fun and freeing not a burdensome addition to your to-do list. Start by choosing one of the ideas above or try this favorite of mine:
Give yourself room to play. Schedule a date with yourself to do something outside of your normal routine that expresses who you are or simply makes you feel a little giddy. Take photos in the city; Pretend you’re a screenwriter and spend the morning jotting down the characters in your movie; Grab a sketchbook and make a graffiti design; Research an EarthWatch expedition; Go for a run in a strange town…or you name it.
This guest post is by Paula Grieco, a former Technology Executive turned Writer and Entrepreneur. Contact her at paula@paulagrieco.com, follow her on Instagram: Instagram or visit her site paulagrieco.com
Love,
Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC
I like the tips except for #6. Really, this is a weaselly response and leaves the other person hanging and expecting you to honor your commitment to get back to them–which creates another job. Just say no, and as Miss Manners often says in her column, don’t give a reason since people can argue with it. How about a rote response of, “No, I’m sorry I won’t be able”. Much more integrity and honesty.
Danielle, that works too! I like to be direct otherwise I sound wishy/washy.
I used to be tormented by wanting to say “no”, but not knowing what to say. Turns out, you DO have to practice the actual words. I like “I’m not available to do that right now”, or “Sounds great/interesting, but I don’t have the bandwidth right now,” and then say NOTHING ELSE. No explanations about WHY you don’t have time. I’ve used these a few times and the liberation is AMAZING. They are absolutely non-offensive and frankly, indisputable statements.
Kelly, yes, we need to practice the words! If I don’t practice, then I’m not strong in the moment.