Time with Self.

7 ways to make time with yourself that will bring you peace and happiness. Especially #6!

As a wife, a mom of three young children, and an entrepreneur, I know how difficult it can be to make time for oneself. I've often gotten so caught with everything and everyone else, that I literally forget if I've even eaten throughout the day. Yes! Even I get a little lost sometimes. But it's only a matter of time before my body or my actions remind me that something is off, and it usually is because I haven't allowed myself a moment to come up for air.

I know we often hear, "You must offer yourself self-care." I'm one of the ones who's always preaching it. And often I hear, "But who has the time?" or "I have no support, I can't take anytime for myself" or "I'm broke. I can't do anything." I am going to go ahead and say it... I'm calling us out! Those are all excuses. Yep, EXCUSES! If we have time to scroll or post on social media or text our friends throughout the day, then we have time for Self. Also, spending time with Self doesn't need to cost us anything. We don't have to make a huge purchase to make us happy. All we need is ourselves.

Here's what I've learned as I've heard myself make my own excuses about not making time to take care of me first. Whenever I've decided to do something other than what I know I should've done for myself first, I end up feel guilty or mad at myself. I become tired and that results in being moody. I then can't focus and that only affects my creativity, my work and worse, my communication or lack-there-of with my family, and they should never get the brunt of it. That makes me feel even more guilty.

To remedy that, I've become extremely conscious of my schedule and how to make certain there's never any excuse to be made for me to find the time to do something for myself with myself. Even on the days that I find myself off schedule, I remember to at least sit alone and take a few minutes to just listen to myself breathe and sit with my thoughts.

Here are some of the ways I make time for mySelf. I hope they inspire you to either do the same, or find your own ways to have time with yourSelf.

Every morning from the moment I wake up I say "Thank you." I take a few moments in bed to simply share my gratitude for waking up and having another day. I literally lay in bed taking deep breaths and as I repeat the words "thank you" I remind myself that this is a moment I still have in bed with myself. Before my day has even started, I get to show up for myself by being mindful of this very moment every morning.
I do my best to wake up before everyone else in my house so I can have some quiet time alone. Even if it's only 15-30 minutes can make a huge difference on how I start my day. I can quietly make my coffee and drink it in peace as I set myself up for my workout and/or yoga practice and meditation. If I don't have time for any body movement, I do make prayer and meditation my priority.
Anytime during the day I get up and step outdoors to take in the fresh air. I look around and notice my surroundings. It's my time to connect for a little while with nature. I thank the trees, the birds, the squirrels, chipmunks, any animal that crosses my sight during that time, the sun and the universe. For me this is another moment to reconnect to universe, the divine and myself, and it can take as little as 5 minutes.
I love to go for walks or run outdoors. That in itself is a great way to reconnect and spend time with Self. I find it for me to be a way of mediation in motion. I often talk to myself (yep! Sometimes I even answer myself back LOL!) and it's just another way for me to release any feelings I may need to rid off.
Everyday my alarm goes off at 2pm. It's a reminder for me that I have to take at least 30 minutes for myself. I make myself a nice cup of coffee (or tea) and sit with my thoughts. I recognize my thoughts, acknowledge them, and ask the universe to help me re-organize any thoughts that may need re-organizing, as well as ask for direction. After that I meditate for a second time.
I love to go to my Happy Places. (Happy places aren't just for kids!) These are places I can easily access physically (like the mall or the library or bookstore) or with my mind (a beautiful waterfall in Bali). I won't go to my physically happy places everyday, but I will certainly go to my mind's happy places on a daily.
Books are one of my favorites things in this world. I love to read a good book about anything that focuses on empowerment, self growth, healing, spirituality, anatomy, wellness, biographies, and great novels. Even if only for a few minutes, I will take a moment to soak in some good feeling content to help guide me for my highest good.

These are some of my favorite ways to find time with mySelf. There's nothing fancy about them, just what brings me the most peace and happiness. I hope they inspire you.

Time with Self.

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