Time to think about you
Self-reflection is not selfish, it’s essential to our wellbeing. More and more of us operate at full tilt, blurring the edges between at work and at home. We are pulled in different directions by family, friends, colleagues and others, often without time to consider whether that’s where we want to go. A change in the seasons brings its own challenges. Fashionistas are already telling us what to wear this Autumn without a care for the sandy, sun bleached tee shirts we’ve yet to discard (or not). If only there was time to declutter my wardrobe.
Be honest, when did you last make time to review what you wanted? How often do you revisit your aspirations? So many of us do what’s expected of us when working but ignore our personal goals. When did you relax, grab a cuppa and make some plans to do the things which are important to you? When did you last find time to consider your wardrobe or your personal style?
Before I continue, it’s important to acknowledge my friends (they’ll know who they are) who succeed in scheduling “me time”. Friends who when they read a positive film review, book cinema tickets and immediately transfer details to their calendars. And others who when they want to develop their baking skills or learn more about something, seek out like-minded pioneers.
I’m frequently urging clients to make time for themselves and their development, advocating 15 minutes each day, rather than storing up ideas for a tomorrow that seldom arrives. Self-reflection is key to my business success. It’s what I do so it gets done, although when it’s about me at home that’s another story.
If only I could be more like my husband. A keen golfer he realises the benefits of regular (and planned) competitions to bring down his handicap, maintain his fitness and enhance his wellbeing. I’m not nearly so self-disciplined. I’m much more of a random relaxer or random at home reflector. If there’s time I do it and if not, I survive.
Today I’m urging us all to make a little (more) “me time” each day for reflection; time out from the 24/7 to plan the things which we aspire to do. I’ll keep you posted on my progress and look forward to hearing how you get on. Let’s keep the conversation flowing.