Words

Back in the summer I doodled a mind map to try to work out what was important to me and how I would like to spend my time once I reached a point where I had more flexibility in my life. I scattered words on the page (a digital page as I always lose paper!) and linked them all up to one or more headings - Time, Think, Do, Move, and People. When I had finished the mind map I looked at my words and highlighted the ones that felt most important. This week I looked again at the doodle to help me decide what I want to prioritise once I have more free time in the spring and found ten highlighted words. Here they are, in no particular order, with a few thoughts:

Margin - even when I have "free" time I tend to cram things into it. Allowing myself time and space to just "be" without having to "do" is important. Giving myself margin isn't something that comes naturally, so I will need to make a conscious effort to leave myself free time. 

Declutter - we have lived in this house for 23 years, most of them with children. We have accumulated stuff. A lot of that stuff needs to go. Along with the decluttering we need to do some major deep cleaning and redecorating. This is a big priority for M and something to which we need to dedicate regular chunks of time.

Family - working full time too often makes me feel like a part time wife and mother. I want my family to have more of my time when I am not tired at the end of a long day.

Friends - I want to see friends more regularly and catch up with those I haven't seen for a while. It won't happen without some effort and organisation.  

Music - music is my sanity saver. Even when life is crazy busy I manage to fit in playing in bands because the extra pressure on time is more than outweighed by the opportunity it gives me to switch off from any stresses and focus on something I love. When I have more time, I would like to play more. I would also like to take some lessons. 

Read - I love to read, but when I am over busy I don't have the time or focus to read much other than online articles. Reading books takes more effort and I find I have to make a conscious effort to get myself into the habit of reading. I never used to be like this. Is it an age thing? Or is it because there are too many competing distractions? I'm looking at you Facebook!

Create - creating things seems such a positive and satisfying way to spend time. I already knit and crochet, but I would like to do more baking. I also want to write. 

Yoga - when I do yoga regularly I feel better. I get stronger and more flexible, and my balance (usually terrible!) improves. I would like to take more classes, and to get into the habit of doing at least a short yoga session at home every day. I have reached an age where making the effort to get fit and stay that way has to be a priority.

Outdoors - I spend huge chunks of my life shut in an office with no fresh air (we have windows but they can't be opened). In the winter it feels as though I hardly see daylight. Again, I know that if I get outside for some time every day I feel better, but it won't happen unless I make it a habit and get used to going out whatever the weather. I want to walk in woods and fields and breathe fresh air. 

Breathe - just breathe!