As I thought about what to write for this challenge on time management, I reflected on how often I hear of someone dying unexpectedly (this week-Tom Petty and Las Vegas shootings, for example). Just about every day, I wake up and think: this day could be my last. So the older I get, the more I think of taking some time each day to focus on a task, an experience not considered a chore and enjoy it without guilt.
In my professional life, I keep myself organized the old fashioned way: with a hand written, running ‘to do’ list. I have a paper calendar (nope, don’t want to do it on my phone) and regularly make notes of what needs to be done, by what date, and refer to it often during the day. Sometimes I work ahead, sometimes I put a couple of items off. But the point is, this list keeps me focused.
In my personal life, when the kids were younger, it seemed like I never had time for myself. Every Mother’s Day what I really wanted was a day totally to myself, in the house, to do what I wanted when I wanted to do it. Now that it’s just hubby and me, I’m trying to get organized and prepare for the next move (whenever that may happen) and get rid of stuff I don’t need or use. This is pretty easy for me, not as easy for hubby—and he’s retired!!! What usually motivates me for the household tasks is some sort of deadline: family or friends coming for a visit (get the refrigerator cleaned out!) or vacation coming up (get that box of recipes organized and off the dining room table before leaving!). Also, I will promise myself to do one ‘to do’ task over the weekend, like boxing up summer clothes and bring out the winter sweaters. There is a real sense of accomplishment after checking off items on the every-expanding list so for me, it’s usually pretty easy to get started on the job.
Finally, every day I will take some time for myself to do something I just feel like doing. That could be watching a stand-up special on Netflix or baking cookies, perhaps a little online shopping or planting some fall flowers. I might call a past (older client) to see how they are doing or pack up a goodie box to send off to the daughter at college. Perhaps I'll invite the neighbors over for a pot luck dinner --or sit on the patio and read. It seems like it's those little things that can make your mood and give you a feeling of real living.
So now that this blog is finished—it’s back to the list to see what I’m going to accomplish today!
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