Where did the time go?

I sat down to make an update to an account the other day but my computer decided I should wait awhile because it was in desperate need of an update. Really? NOW?

Something that should have taken a minute ended up taking more than 15 minutes! How frustrating! I have places to go and things to do!

And then there is the opposite. I had to call my insurance company and I blocked off an hour for the inevitable “hold” time. Somehow the stars alligned and I was done in about ten minutes. Relief! Now what? I have all this TIME left over!

Sometimes we give too much importance to time. Do you ever have a day when you don’t have appointments and are free to create as you go? It’s relaxing, maybe fun and there is little or no stress. (If you haven’t done this in awhile, I thoroughly recommend it, even if it is just part of a day)

What do you notice?

When you allow your day to unfold there is a freedom and a lack of a need to control. You let go and follow the freedom.

When your day is regimented and it doesn’t work out the way you planned, it can feel out of control and limiting. You hold on tight and follow the clock.

Maybe this isn’t you all the time. But how about finding a way to make it happen none of the time?

Release the need to control! Sounds easy doesn’t it? Well it can be if you follow a few simple steps.

1. Don’t pack your schedule so tightly you don’t have the luxury of space. I know, I know. Not always easy at a busy job. But if you can even embrace two minutes between activities to take a few deep breaths and feel your feet on the floor, you may find that the stress of a busy day stays far away from your thoughts and emotions.
2. Give things longer than they might need. It’s sort of the same as taking a magazine to the doctor’s office. If you bring something to read, you won’t need it. Make a list of things you will do today if you get some time. Like clean the sink or read an article. If you have that little list of odd jobs you can do while you’re on hold or waiting for your ride to show up, you won’t feel like you’re wasting away with the ticking clock.
3. Notice your thoughts. What are you thinking when your schedule goes astray because the dog just peed on the rug? Yes it’s frustrating but it happens. The way you think isn’t going to change that. If you’re thinking “!%@^&$!%*@#&@!”, That’s perfectly natural! But now what? Think it, feel it, do something (probably best to clean it up) and move on. Don’t hold on to the “!%@^&$!%*@#&@!”
4. Practice! Habits need time. If you tend to stress out about every little thing that doesn’t go as planned (um, that was me not that long ago), then pay attention and let others help you. Let your partner or friend in on the work you are doing. They will be holding you accountable and, often, don’t even need to point out the steam coming out of your ears because once you share your mission with a friend, you can learn to become accountable to yourself.

Time is constant. You can become a master at managing it with a committment and practice. No time like the present!