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
So I wanted to thank you for the beautiful web pages and let you know I have been inspired by you. My (and your) friend Julia McMorran (Matejka to you) turned me on to your web pages. I had to create a retirement memory album and while I was purchasing things and putting it together I was channelling my inner Ali Edwards. I got so many great responses and the recipient cried when reading it. So, thanks for your creativity, keep it commin! (Tucson native, temporarily in Portland, OR.)
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Ali, thanks for voicing this important message. Today I made time to snuggle on the couch and read Harry Potter to one of my four girls. I made the time to do 2 loads of girl laundry (4 little girls, NO CLEAN PANTIES), and I MADE my dh leave with all the girls so I can make the time to scrap and create. You are right about it being a challenge, but one that's worth taking the time to figure out. Heather
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Ali-
you are brillant! I love you and your blog! :)
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Ali-
you are brillant! I love you and your blog! :)
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You know what Ali, I needed this prompt today.This morning I was thinking about how i need to make time for myself, to do things that make me happy instead of running aorund like a maniac. So thanks for the inspiration! :)
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this is sooo true! thank you for the reminder. just last month, i started making a concerted effort, despite the intense nausea from being pregnant, to really "be there" with my daughter. what a difference it can make!
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Super! Ever since a near death accident/injury at work and a long journey back to health, I have learned to enjoy every day ; making time for the small things in life. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of life. Thanks for the beautiful reminder!
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mmmmm yes.
thanks for the 'minder.
so SO true.
love this post.
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*****BEAUTIFUL!
What a beautiful message and quote. Thank you for validating and reminding us all to stop and take heed.
I've never had so much stress and turmoil in my marriage, kids issues, personalities, depression and friendships problems.
I find great comfort in this nice reminder. Yes, Ali - thank you!
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So true, so true.
I personally am at a crossroads of sorts with having so much change (getting married, moving, earning my Master's degree, hopefully getting a new job) and sometimes it's easy to get caught up in everything and forget to enjoy the little moments and make things good no matter what!
Last Saturday I took a nap with my husband. He usually takes a short nap on Saturdays and I never join him, but this time I did. Not only was he so happy to have me there next to him, but I was happy to be there in that moment with him.
I need to make more things happen for me instead of getting bogged down in the minute details. Thanks for reminding me of that!
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Incredibly perfect timing. Thank you!
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"...Make time. I can do this. You can do this."
thank you.
tonya
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Wonderful post Ali. Yes, it is difficult to "make time". I try. I will keep trying. Life can get in the way of living. My goal is to live so that I can enjoy my life! Yes, I will "make time".
Thanks Ali!!!
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Good post, chica.
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Right on girlfriend. I bought $30 worth of this fab all natural woodlandy incense and I cannot wait until it gets here!
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I will now forever think of you as scribbling in a notebook while driving in the slow lane.
Thanks for saying what I needed to hear. It seems time is not with me lately...I need to remember to make time
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Ali, I can relate to this and can only encourage others to take on board your words. I am proof that taking the road less travelled and taking time to make my life about me is good for the soul. Our lives on this planet are too short to not be our own. I made the changes after coming to the realisation in 2005 that I was giving away the prime of my life to something that wasn't important and was only causing me stress and heartache. It was hard work, but I made the changes and I know I am SO much better off for having done so.
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THANK YOU ALI!!! This is something that I have been trying to work on the last month or so. To live each day to the fullest and to slow down and really enjoy life and all the wounderful things that come with it. Working on myself and my craft. Spending more time with my hubby, family and friends. Again thank you for your encouaging words, you always seem to know just what to say.
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This so true, I'm loving being reminded of this, it's so easy with little kids to get caught up in things that don't really matter and miss out on magical moments. Thanks Ali for making my brain switch gear.
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You have such a great way of just bringing things "home"... thanks for that Ali. The reminder to MAKE TIME for the important things... the every day things... the LIFE things... some of the best advice ever.
hugs!
Kristin:)
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