Make time.
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Last weekend when I was driving down to Southern Oregon I had some time to think. Driving tends to be a good "thinking-time" for me. There is nothing else to distract (besides keeping my eyes on the road) and my mind seems to just kinda get going.
Looking back at my notes (I have to write this stuff down - I slow down and move over to the right lane) the number one thing I wrote down was MAKE TIME.
Make time for what?
To see & appreciate the little stuff. To snuggle on the couch. To read. To sit at the dinner table together (this is a hard one for us). To slow down. To exercise. To CREATE stuff. To live with intent. To take deep breaths. To tell your story. To go to the doctor. To make healthy meals. To change your job. To change your life. To do something that matters to you.
Making time can have a direct, positive impact on your own life. Over the last couple of years, through this crazy journey I have been on, I have really seen how this can make a difference. I feel different because I am conscious of the little stuff. Because I try to pay attention.
Making time is not easy. It takes effort. I have to stop myself from doing what I normally do (going through the motions) and institute a change. Daily effort. But it is all good because it works.
Today, make time to do what you want. Maybe it is as simple as brewing up a big pitcher of sun tea. Maybe it is taking that first step to investigate a new profession. Maybe it is putting on your athletic shoes and stepping out the front door (with or without kids in toe) because you know you need to get healthy. Make time. I can do this. You can do this.
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89 comments
As always Ali, another inspirational post. You rock!
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ali, my dining room table changed my life. i grew up in a busybusybusy family who ate at the table when it was possible, but that was sometimes once in a month. early adult life doesn't lend itself well to dining at a table -- more like pizza from a box while sitting on someone's bunk bed. then i lived in a house that had a dining table but didn't use it, and in a house of five there could be five separate dinner times. when i lived on my own, i didn't feel i was important enough to eat at a table. now that there are two of us, we eat at the table every night. we light candles and sit and talk about the day and chill and connect. sometimes we have to rush off to other stuff; sometimes we can sit there and relax. but even if i have the worst day at work, i know i can come home to one thing that is regular and supportive and not judgemental.
and that time is indeed precious, you're so very right.
here's to more time at your dining table too. :)
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Wow!
Great post today!
Totally needed that!
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I love this! You are always so motivating. Making time is so important. Thanks for the reminder.
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Couldn't agree with you more. I am in the process of changing/making time for some things lately. My DH and I got up early to walk again today...we are getting up early three days a week to walk before work. This was only our 2nd time to walk, but we are 2 for 2! Trying to make better habits!
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cool...so cool.
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Great thoughts Ali. I try so hard to remember to take time each day to slow down and appreciate the little things, to watch my kids play instead of worrying about the next thing I need to do!
I'm glad you reminded me to do so, again today. Thanks
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Wonderful post! My husband and I work very hard to "feng-shui" our lives - finding the balance between work, play, exercise, together time, friend time, etc.
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Awesome little bit of inspiration...thanks!!
I am going to TAKE TIME to play with the new CD I got today......FRESH FONTS BY ALI EDWARDS!!!
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Thank you for this. ~Pam
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Love the MLK Jr. quote at the top of your blog. I actually took the time to write two US Senators last week about a political issue I just can't keep quiet about anymore. Of course I never heard back from them, but it felt good to at least express my views.
Have a great rest of the week!
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Thank you!
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slowing down and then writing while driving -- that's scary multitasking :-) - get one of those voice recorder things (a dictaphone?? - not sure on the translation)
Having Rutger come home early enough so that we can all have dinner together is actually one of the things I really want to have happen each and every day. Even if it means Rutger goes back to work for a few hours after dinner most evenings... it's really worth it -- hard, but worth it...
and the little stuff is so worth it! love discovering the little stuff each and every day.
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Yes, I learned taking time for yourself is very important with children around. On the other hand, someone told me that the biggest gift you can give someone is 'your time'. I often get caught up in every day stuff and forget to spend real quality time with the kids. And after all that really matters in the long run.
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good call, thanks for the reminder!
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i needed this today.
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thanks Ali! Can I just say once again how much you rock? :)
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I couldn't agree more! That's why I hate cell phones (I know I am in the minority) - but it's because they eliminate people's ability to really BE in and experience where they are at that moment. Now we're not just taking a walk - or grocery shopping - or even eating a meal at a restaurant -- we're always mentally someplace else and missing the moment in front of us. So I will no longer feel guilty about telling people I don't use my cell phone...I'm just too busy enjoying where I am to take the call :) And today I made time on a rainy day to take my kids to see the movie Cars -- now that's a movie about making time to enjoy what matters! :) Peace - Katie
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This is so true, Ali. Today I MADE time during my kids afternoon nap to create a piece of artwork, photograph is and post the technique on my blog. Wewh! I find when I work that fast my censor can't keep up with me:)
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Thank You!!
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