Life can easily get away from us. Between jobs, parenting, housework, family obligations, and attempting to maintain a social life outside of facebook, we can all feel stretched a bit thin. It doesn’t take much at all to push us into overwhelmed territory (if we aren’t already residing there).  

On the 4th of last month, I happened to glance at my monthly planner and was startled at what I saw.  There were 10 days highlighted for various work deadlines, 2 professional luncheons, 4 doctor’s appointments, 2 parties and 1 function I had agreed to bake 4 dozen cupcakes for.  And that was only 4 days into the month! Of course more things were added as the days rolled on!.

We each spend so much energy going and so much time doing that I wonder how much time we are able to spend truly being ourselves.

Upon reflecting on the matter, I realized that, for me, “being” means feeling creatively engaged. So, I’ve started to challenge myself to make sure that I am using my creativity each day. Some days that means finding ways to bring my creativity to my work, while other days it means breaking out the play-doh with my daughter. There are days where I make sure I make time to practice my own creative pursuits, whether it be knitting, painting, or designing a digital photo album to be printed and added to our family history.

In a short time, I have found that making this simple change in my life has led to big rewards. I am more centered, patient and able to really focus on whatever I am doing in a way that feels more authentic to my goals and less harried by the relentless momentum of all that going and doing.

When we are able to put more being into our busy schedules, we actually find more time to be connected to the people and tasks that are really important to us. In that way, we can mine our lives for the hidden joy that exists!

With thanks to az for image use